errorOriginally published in Spanish by the EZLN
________________________
Translated by irlandesa



Zapatista Army of National Liberation.
Mexico.

December 8, 2000.

To the National and International Press:

Ladies and gentlemen:

The letter for the travelers and the communique' are off. It looks as if
it's going to go on for a while yet. And I'm not saying that because of
the abundance of commercials about a nonexistent peace in Chiapas, but
because of what Do~a Xo'chitl said: constitutional reform on indigenous
rights and culture is going to take, at the least, some two years! (and
then they say that the zapatistas want to drag out the resolution of the
conflict). Fine, that's too bad. No less than 2 years without vocho, TV's
or little shops.

Vale. Salud, and I'm not going to be starting a press conference on time
any more. Don't think I wasn't aware of the sarcasm in your articles.

>From the mountains of the Mexican Southeast.

Subcomandante Insurgente Marcos.
Mexico, December of 2000.


**********************************************************

(#1)


Zapatista Army of National Liberation.
Mexico.

December of 2000.

To the Xi'Nich and Las Abejas marchers who reached Mexico City.

Brothers and sisters:

With silent hope we saw you leave these Indian mountains of the Mexican
southeast. In silence still we listen to your steps reaching the sister
lands of Oaxaca and Veracruz. Far away now, we were applauding here, next
to those who were feeding and clothing you.

Our word open now once again, the drum of our hearts beats along with your
steps, and our eyes, along with yours, half-close at the sight of the city
of palaces, home of governments, yes, but also of fighters of many skins.

For centuries this has been our history.

Long walks to the palace of the gentleman who governs with little hearing
and much talk.

Many steps for our ancient word to be heard.

Many steps for us to realize that, even though the powerful do not hear,
the other, who is different from us, does indeed listen to us, the man and
woman who are aware that they are our brothers, even though the blood and
history which suckled them are different.

There were many steps. Many steps go with you. Many shall follow. So
shall it be until the powerful understand that, in our path and in our
steps, go not only history, but tomorrow walks as well.

Salud, brothers and sisters of Xi'Nich and Las Abejas! Salud to your
steps! Those who walked yesterday, those who shall walk tomorrow, are
walking with you.

>From the mountains of the Mexican Southeast.

Subcomandante Insurgente Marcos.

Mexico, December of 2000.


*******************************************

(#2)


Communique' from the Clandestine Revolutionary Indigenous Committee -
General Command of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation.
Mexico.


December 8, 2000.

To the People of Mexico:
To the Peoples and Governments of the World:


Brothers and Sisters:

First. - Today, December 8, 2000, the Governor in Rebellion, Don Amado
Avenda~o Figueroa, ends his six-year term at the head of the executive of
the state of Chiapas. During his term of office, the now former Governor
Avenda~o suffered persecution, slander and, as a candidate, an attempt
against his life. Nonetheless, he remained firm and, in spite of threats
and blackmail, he steadfastly continued his work.

Among his achievements are the dissemination throughout the world of the
indigenous' demands, his position on the militarization and
paramilitarization of the communities, his condemnation of the Zedillo
government's strategy of pretence, and his commitment to a political ethic
from which many could well learn. Six years after his taking office, Don
Amado Avenda~o has acquitted himself well to those who elected him and,
despite the electoral fraud committed against him, who supported him.

The zapatista indigenous communities, through the EZLN, are publicly
recognizing the former Governor of Chiapas today. He can have satisfaction
in having carried out his duty. We wish him many successes now that he is
returning to his profession which showed him to the world as an honest and
upright man: journalism.

Second. - Today, Se~or Pablo Salazar Mendiguchi'a took over as the new head
of the Chiapas state executive. In the same way as the federal executive,
Se~or Salazar Mendiguchi'a has the opportunity now to contribute, firstly,
to the renewal of dialogue and, subsequently, to its progress, with
seriousness and responsibility, to the end of the war and to the beginning
of the building of peace with justice and dignity.

Third. - As we heard through a radio broadcast, during his inauguration
Se~or Salazar said he intended to carry out several actions as part of his
government program. If they are realized, these measures would help the
de'tente necessary for dialogue. Regarding the release of zapatista
prisoners, however, it is necessary to remember that, in addition to those
in Chiapas, there are EZLN sympathizers in jails in the states of Tabasco
and Quere'taro.

Fourth. - The EZLN repeats its call to national and international civil
society to mobilize in demanding that the federal government carry out the
three signals which were established: constitutional recognition of
indigenous rights and culture according to the Cocopa proposal, release of
zapatista prisoners throughout the Republic, and the complete withdrawal of
the 7 federal Army's positions in the war zone.

Democracy!
Liberty!
Justice!

>From the mountains of the Mexican Southeast.

By the Clandestine Revolutionary Indigenous Committee -
General Command of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation.

Subcomandante Insurgente Marcos.
Mexico, December of 2000.

The westcoast warrior society(WCWS) supports your struggle in Mexico. The EZLN and Zapatista army have shown Indigenous people all over the world that liberation can be obtained in these modern times. WCWS is a group of Indigenous people from western Canada that have been involved in security operations for Indigenous nations. Our organization has been involved in protecting Indigenous people from Canadian authorties when they want to exerise their soveriegn rights. Our members have been beaten, arrested, and charged for securing the well being of our people. The Westcoast Warrior society has established an alliance with other Indigenous warrior societies all across Canada to ensure that our peoples needs are meet. We would like to set a meeting up with your respected organization to create an international alliance to combat the North American Free trade agreement....
yours Truely,
Terry Dorward
junglecarbine33@hotmail.com

Hear the cry of the EZLN leaders for global mobilization. If nothing else, spread the story of the plight of the zapatistas with anyone that will listen. Public recognition spurs progress. The fourth tier of the 2nd communique in this series is a plea for our ongoing recognition and help. Do not let that request fall upon deaf ears. Their struggle is our struggle. Their demands are the same demands that any of us have on our respective governments; Constitutional recognition of our rights and freedom from political persecution. Spread recognition wherever you can.