National
Zapatista leader emerges with political agenda


Subcommander Marcos, the leader of the Zapatista Indian rights movement in Mexico, has emerged from four years of hiding to promote a political agenda.

Marcos held "town hall" meetings with a wide range of activists. He is calling for a change in Mexico's constitution to make it more socialist. He is speaking out against candidates in the next presidential election, saying they will hurt Indians and poor people.

The Zapatistas last made a national presence in 2001 when they urged for the passage of an Indian rights bill that would recognize the self-determination of Native communities. Congress watered it down and then failed to pass it.

Get the Story:
At a 60's Style Be-In, Guns Yield to Words, Lots of Words (The New York Times 8/31)
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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 Andr�s Accords - http://www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/mexico/SanAndres.html

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