Subcommander Marcos (now known as “Delegate Zero”) and other members of the Zapatista delegation are continuing their tour of northern Mexico, but met an obstacle to their freedom of transit when they attempted to reach the Baja California fishing port of La Paz. Operators of the ferry service across the Sea of Cortez from Topolobampo, Sinaloa, refused to confirm that the rebel leader would be allowed to board without removing his ski mask and revealing his legal name. His local hosts, the Frente Zapatista Sudcaliforniano, charged the company, Baja Ferries, with discriminatory behavior. La Paz port authorities said the military could be called in to mediate. (El Universal, Oct. 13) La Paz Mayor Victor Castro Cosio weighed in favor of Marcos’ freedom of transit, calling the issues raised by the Zapatistas’ tour critical for Mexico’s emerging democracy. (Sol de Tulancingo, Oct. 11) The ferry operators relented and allowed the Zapatistas to pass on Oct. 13. (El Universal, Oct. 13)
In his final appearance before leaving Sinaloa, Marcos noted the emergence of new guerilla groups in rural Mexico, and warned: “It is many people now, when the peaceful paths are being closed, are seeking recourse to arms. Ojala [with luck] this trend will not grow, and instead a civil and peaceful movement can be born…” (La Jornada, Oct. 13)
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