Chiapas State Government Praises Efforts by Zapatista Groups The News
go to original January 2, 2014

Last August the Zapatista Good Government Boards turned ten. Throughout the five Caracols in the state of Chiapas, villages celebrated their continued existence and the gains made in indigenous autonomy and self-government. (CIP Americas Program)

A Chiapas state government press release on Wednesday said the Zapatista indigenous community’s contribution to the distinct processes of state and national change is “indisputable.”

It said that the state owes innumerable consequences of change to the group which are reflected in “collective subjects with greater conscience and exercise of their rights.”

The press release added that the current administration “respects such contributions and ... recognizes with maximum objectivity the continuing dynamic of transformations generated since 1994” in reference to the Zapatista Army for National Liberation’s storming of several government installations on Jan. 1, 1994 in a power grab.

They later retreated to the Lacandona Jungle after meeting heavy resistance from the Mexican army.

The large process of changes in Chiapas since then, according to the press release, is and has been the result of multiple political influences, “in which Zapatismo has been invaluable.”

It said that the administration has maintained a norm of respect with the Zapatistas and has looked to create favorable conditions through policy that contributes to the development of the state and its indigenous peoples.

See the original at The News

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