The Mexican Government's peace delegation for Chiapas has refused
to participate in Zatpatista consultations with the indigenous
communities. The rebel peace delegation had extended the invitation
during the second round of talks earler this month and it had been
accepted by government representatives.
Mexico's interior ministry, however, said today that an invitation
sent Monday by Rebel Commander Marcos is different and "less serious"
than the original invitation.
Subcommondanta Marcos established several conditions, among them
the government representatives were to travel on foot insted of in cars
or helicopters, they were to carry their own things, and, following the
indigenous tradition, they could only speak when the community posed a
question.
The indigenous consultations are to prepare for the third round of
Zapatista/Government peace talks slated for June.