1996-11-27 Local Press - CHIAPAS
Article Index
CHIAPAS
Marcos appeals to Congress to Pass Constitutional Reforms
Zapatista Army for National Liberation (EZLN) Sub-commander Marcos called on the Congress to take advantage of its "historical opportunity" to approve a series of constitutional reforms on indigenous rights and culture based on the San Andres peace accords. Marcos insisted that the EZLN "is not going to continue the negotiation process if it only results in agreements that aren't fulfilled." The EZLN began another round of talks with the Congressional Commission for Agreement and Peace (COCOPA) to define precisely what these constitutional reforms, laws and new institutions should like. Some sort of agreement is hoped for by the end of the week. (La Jornada. 25 November).
Evangelical and Catholics Clash
Indigenous Evangelicals and traditional Catholics clashed in the municipality of Venustiano Carranza over land and religious disputes. At least one person was killed and 17 others wounded in the incident. Reportedly, the neighborhood of Monte de los Olivos was founded in August by a group of 22 Evangelical families that had been expelled from Aguacatenango on two previous occasions for their religious beliefs and practices. According to the Evangelicals, the traditional Catholics from the neighborhood came to their land armed with machetes, knives, stones and sticks to "provoke them" and that they defended themselves Most of the wounded are in the hospital in serious condition.) La Jornada, 25 November).