Скачать или смотреть MEXICO: REBEL LEADER OF THE ZAPATISTAS COMES OUT OF HIDING

(8 Jan 1996) Spanish/Nat

Subcomandante Marcos- leader of the Mexican Zapatista National Liberation Army has left his jungle hideout for the first time in almost two years.

The rebel leader arrived in a town in the southern state of Chiapas to attend a forum on Indian rights.

The gathering comes just a few days before the resumption of peace talks between the government and the Zapatistas.

Welcomed by hundreds of supporters Subcomandante Marcos appeared outside his jungle stronghold for the first time in almost two years.

Wearing his trademark uniform and ski mask the charismatic leader arrived in San Cristobal de Las Casas in the southern state of Chiapas ready for the resumption of peace talks between the government and the Zapatistas.

The peace talks are due to resume on Wednesday.

In the past Marcos- identified by the government as onetime university professor Rafael Sebastian Guillen Vicente- refused to leave his secret hideout saying he was afraid the government or someone else would try to kill him.

Marcos appeared late Sunday at a forum on Indian rights which started last week.

Rebel leaders hope the forum will lead to changes in laws towards recognising the rights of the nation's seven (m) million Indians.

Inspired by a mythical Mayan tale about the creation of the rainbow, the Zapatista leader called on his supporters to have hope in the future.

SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)

"This is our seventh rainbow, the seventh bridge we must built to give birth to new worlds."
SUPER CAPTION: Subcomandante Marcos, leader of the Zapatista National Liberation Army- EZLN

According to the legend, the gods joined the mortals to create bridges which represented new worlds. The bridges are the colours of the rainbow.

Marcos told supporters that dialogue remains the only way to achieve a lasting peace in Chiapas.

The Zapatistas rebelled on New Year's Day 1994, demanding political and other rights for Chiapas' impoverished Indian peasants. At least 145 people were killed in fighting between the rebels and government troops before a cease-fire took effect on January 12, 1994.

Almost two years later, the Zapatistas hope their voices will finally be heard.

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