MEXICO: TALKS TO RESOLVE PEASANT UPRISING WILL RESUME NEXT MONTH

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(22 Jun 1996) Spanish/Nat

Talks to resolve a peasant uprising in southern Mexico will resume next month, ending a three-week impasse between Zapatista rebels and the government.

Negotiations stalled when Zapatista rebels called off a June 5 meeting because of increased tensions.

After a meeting with rebel leaders, mediators have announced talks will resume July 8.

The Zapatistas rebelled in January 1994, demanding greater rights for Mexico's impoverished Indians and greater democracy for the country as a whole.

About 145 people died in fighting before a cease-fire was called.

The Zapatistas say they want to become a peaceful political force in Mexico but refuse to disarm before winning concessions and guarantees from the government.

SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"We hope to achieve the peace accord peacefully. We have no guarantees because although the law protects us, as stated by the COCOPA, there are other powers pursuing us. There has to be a compromise - if not this one, then another compromise based on the judicial system. So that it will not continue to impede the current dialogue."
SUPER CAPTION: Subcomandante Marcos

After a meeting with rebel leaders in a jungle village, haggard mediators announced talks would resume July 8.

SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"We are attentive to any developments that could complicate the negotiations."
SUPER CAPTION: Government Spokesperson

Negotiations stalled when Zapatista rebels called off a June 5 meeting because of heightened tensions.

A judge had sentenced two Zapatista supporters to prison on terrorism charges. But when another judge later freed the two men, the Zapatistas agreed to return to the negotiating table.

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