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TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2001

Protesters in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas blocked off highways to demonstrate against an Indian rights bill approved by Congress but denounced by Indian leaders.

The blockade lasted about five hours, bringing traffic to a halt, according to the Associated Press.

Acting on President Vicente Fox's legislative agenda, Congress quickly passed and certified an Indian rights bill. But while some self-determination rights were included, the bill waters down many of the goals sought by Indian leaders.

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Zapatista sympathizers block highways in southern Mexico (AP 7/31)
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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 Andrés Accords - http://www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/mexico/SanAndres.html

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