Zapatistas reject talks with Fox

MARCH 21, 2001

The leaders of the Zapatista Indian rights movement on Tuesday rejected an offer by Mexican President Vicente Fox to continue talks with the government, calling his pledges empty promises.

"Where there were weapons, there will be hearts and wills to promote the dignity of our indigenous brothers and sisters," pleaded Fox. "At this moment, I am sending a letter to Subcomandante Marcos so we can meet before he returns to Chiapas."

Fox promised he would close the three remaining military bases in the southern state of Chiapas, the home of the seven-year-old movement. He also said he would release more Zapatista supporters from jail.

The concessions were an attempt to keep the Zapatista rebels in Mexico City. But hours after Fox's offer, the masked leaders made three speeches to thousands of university students throughout the city and declined to meet with him.

"Don't pay any attention to what Mr. Fox says," said Subcomandante Tacho, one of the Zapatista delegates. "He speaks with two tongues."

On Monday, the Zapatista announced they would return to southern Mexico since talks with Congress had failed. The parties couldn't agree on how to negotiate a self-determination bill which has been one of the key points of the Indian rights movement.

Known as the San Andr�s Accords to Congress, the its provisions were negotiated in 1996 with the former administration but never submitted to Congress. They promise self-determination rights to Indian communities, including the right to form local governments based on Indian culture, the right to teach in Indian languages in public schools, and the right to legislative representation.

Relevant Links:
Zapatista National Liberation Army (In Spanish) - http://www.ezln.org
Zapatista Mexico City Site (In Spanish) - http://www.ezlnaldf.org/index.php
The San Andr�s Accords - http://www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/mexico/SanAndres.html

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