CONVOY CARRYING 1,111 ZAPATISTA REBELS WELCOMED IN OAXACA 


Via NY Transfer News Collective * All the News that Doesn't Fit

                                       
    Copyright 1997 by Agence France-Presse
    Thu, 11 Sep 1997 3:23:38 PDT

   OAXACA, Mexico, Sept 11 (AFP) - A convoy of buses taking 1,111
Zapatista rebels to Mexico City to press for indigenous rights was
greeted by thousands of local supporters when it drove into Oaxaca
late Wednesday.
   Some 6,000 Oaxacan indians and 3,000 national teachers' union
members lined the streets of this city 370 kilometers (230 miles)
southeast of Mexico City as early as Wednesday morning in solidarity
with the Zapatista cause.
   The Zapatista motorcade, which left San Cristobal de las Casas
in Chiapas state on Monday, arrived several hours late here after
two buses broke down in scorching heat and a few people had to be
treated for dehydration, organizers said.
   The protestors, who represent 1,111 indigenous communities in
Chiapas that back the Zapatista National Liberation Army (EZLN), all
wore the trademark black ski masks and red kerchiefs of the rebel
movement, adding to the discomfort of the baking temperature of
Mexico's high desert.
   The Zapatistas want to press the government to implement an
accord recognizing indigenous rights that was negotiated after their
armed uprising in January 1994.
   By the time they reach the capital Friday, marchers are expected
to be accompanied by thousands of others who will join them in the
states of Oaxaca, Puebla and Morelos in what rebel leader
"Subcomandante Marcos" has said would be a "barometer" of support
for the Zapatista cause.
   The EZLN also are going to Mexico City to launch a legal
political party, an idea they announced more than a year ago but
only now are seeking to make official. Supporters from 26 of
Mexico's 31 states were expected to take part in the party
founding.

 
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