The Zapatista movement for change integrates other sectors and struggles, for example through its contact and consultation with civil society. This formation of a more integral movement could represent an opportunity for the EZLN to become a political party with a considerable number of supporters. Seen from another perspective, the government is seeking to minimise what is going on in Chiapas. It pretends that its new project will cause people to forget and will 'pacify' the great national problems that are so present in this region. In Chiapas there is a war and peace will not be achieved simply by resolving conflicts.
Peace also requires medicine, land to harvest, schools, tools for working, etc.
In sum, what is needed is the means to ensure a dignified life for all people. More than five years have passed since the start of the ELZN uprising. There are a thousand different responses to that question, but we could begin by recognising that the other exists and that there are many ways to address our problems. To the extent that the actors in the Chiapas conflict and average Mexicans are open to the debate of ideas, the differences among us, and dialogue as a negotiating tool, our future will begin to move toward more solid paths. Margarita Aurora Vargas Canales is a member of the Citizen Diplomacy Programme at DECA, Equipo Pueblo.