Negotiations resumed on 6 August, focusing on the key theme of "democracy and justice." Several days earlier, Marcos had re-stated the Zapatistas' conditions for a peace settlement: replacing the current government delegation, demilitarisation of the region and implementation of specific social aid programmes, and "a guarantee that those Zapatistas who take off their ski masks will be able to travel freely," and participate, in security, in the political life of the country [La Jornada, 4 August].
Unfortunately, the government delegation refused all concessions. The emergence of the EPR, and the government's reaction, only worsened the prospects for dialogue. On September 2nd, the Zapatistas again walked away from the negotiating table. What now?
The situation remains extremely tense. The Zapatistas are working on a number of fronts to break out of their isolation, and transform the EZLN into a civil force, the Zapatista National Liberation Front (FZLN). According to Marcos, "the transformation of the EZLN into the FZLN takes two paths. The first is the construction of the Front itself, as an alternative, alongside other, civil Zapatistas. This process is under way. The FLN is now present in all but one of Mexico's 32 states. The main characteristic which the FZLN inherits. from the EZLN is the injunction not to struggle for power. FZLN representatives cannot present themselves as candidates in local or national elections, or hold such an office.
The second path we are following is that of dialogue with the government. What matters here are the political and social conditions which will allow the EZLN to select the right political path, so as to take our demands forward. The government speaks with a forked tongue. They claim to want a negotiated solution, but in fact they are increasing the military pressure." [E.T.] * Reforming the state
An EZLN-sponsored Special Forum on reforming the state was held in San Cristobal (Chiapas) from 30 June to 6 July. It seems to have been a great success. Over 1,000 representatives of a range of parties and dozens of social movements began to define the outlines of a programme for reforming the corrupt and authoritarian Mexican state, and discuss the next steps needed for the emancipation of the Mexican people. It also provided.the EZLN with a public tribune, in the capital of Chiapas. The meeting was well-covered in the national media. It will have national repercussions.
Among the participants were representatives of two of the country's four parliamentary parties, the (left-wing) PRD of Cuauthémoc Cardénas and the Labour Party (PT),. Of Maoist origin, the PT is now close to the ruling PRI. Also present were El Barzón, (radical organisation of indebted businessmen), the Civil Dialogue Committees (which are forming the Zapatista National Liberation Front), a delegation of the Commission for Conciliation and Peace (COCOPA), the Socialist Revolution Party (PRS) and two groups identifying with the Fourth International; the Revolutionary Workers Party (PRT) and the Socialist Unity League (LUS). *
October 1996 #281 7