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der=0 cellpadding=3 cellspacing=0 width=100%> Bishop calls for peace
MAY 2, 2000

The new bishop in the Mexican State of Chiapas called for peace in the region that has been volatile since the Zapatista movement launched an armed rebellion calling for greater Indian rights six years ago.

On Monday, Bishop Felipe Arizmendi Esquivel said injustices must first be corrected before "true and lasting" peace can be achieved. He also said he would not support violence. In the past, he criticized the Zapatista National Liberation Army for taking up arms.

Nonetheless, he supported his predecessor, Bishop Samuel Ruiz, who was well known for his indigenous rights work. Ruiz, often referred to as Tatic Ruiz, which means "Father Ruiz" in a Mayan dialect spoken in the Chiapas region, had been linked directly with the Zapatista movement, according to government and conservative critics.

Staff and news wires contributed to this report.

Relevant Links:
Ejército Zapatista de Liberación Nacional (en Español)
Zapatistas in Cyberspace: A Guide to Analysis & Resources