But their 7-year uprising is bringing it closer to fruition. His book anticipated many of the questions and doubts about autonomy being expressed by members of Congress, who are being encouraged by President Vicente Fox to pass the autonomy bill. Subcommander Marcos, who did not appear before the Congress, has been calling Fox a liar. The books says Indians, who have been continually discriminated against as governments have come and gone since Columbus' arrival in the Americas in 1492, have reason to be skeptical when new administrations such as Fox's promise to help end their historic marginalization. It appears the rebels are resuming some form of dialogue with the government.
Rebels say approval of the bill is the key to peace.
He says autonomy would give Indians a greater voice. It is an instrument or medium to try to arrive at some solutions. About 10 percent of Mexicans are Indian, and they speak some 56 languages. Many Mexicans have been worried that autonomy would mean Indian groups would seek to secede from the country.