12 January 1994

Cease Fire With the Zapatistas

The Mexican Zapatista National Liberation Army (EZLN) started its uprising at the beginning of January 1994. It occupied some towns and ranches in the Chiapas highland. The beginning of the attacks coincided with the start of NAFTA, the free trade treaty which according to the Zapatistas was a 'death sentence' for the Mexican peasants.
Efforts of the government to suppress the rebellion met with peace demonstrations throughout the country. On 12 January 1994 the government declared a cease fire and invited the EZLN to peace talks. The talks between the Zapatistas, led by sub-commander Marcos, and the government were successful. But when the Mexican president vetoed the agreement, the Zapatistas continued their struggle.

See also:

•  Solidariteitskomitee Mexico (Amsterdam) archive

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