LA REALIDAD, Mexico (AP) -- Hundreds of Zapatista supporters on Saturday marked the sixth anniversary of the leftist rebel's uprising by pledging to continue their battle for Indian rights.
"We will struggle, we will defend, we will resist, we will fight, and we will die for a Mexico with liberty, democracy and justice," said a Tzotzil Indian woman who identified herself only as Claudia.The Zapatistas emerged Jan. 1, 1994, stunning the country by capturing several towns in the southern state of Chiapas on the same day that Mexico formed a trade bloc with the United States and Canada under the North American Free Trade Agreement.
The army retook control of all areas days later and the government declared a cease-fire. Peace talks broke down in 1996. Fighting between the two sides has been rare, but tensions remain high.
"We are commemorating our just and necessary war to liberate millions of human beings who have been forgotten and humiliated by the bad government," said Claudia, who wore the Zapatistas' trademark ski mask.
Rebel supporters marked the uprising anniversary with speeches, music and dances in La Realidad, west of San Cristobal de las Casas.