What does the indigenous issue mean to the EZLN? Do they want to separate from Mexico?
The EZLN is a primarily indigenous organization that rose up in arms for Democracy, Liberty and Justice for all Mexicans. Of all the Mexican peoples, the indigenous is the most forgotten. That’s why the EZLN raised the recognition of indigenous rights and culture as an important demand. This demand found echo throughout the country and in the entire world. The indigenous issue signifies, for the EZLN, an unfinished debt of Mexico, and we should not have to wait any longer for its resolution. We do not want independence from Mexico, we want to be part of Mexico, to be Mexican indigenous. Up until now, they’ve treated us as second-class citizens, or as a hindrance for the country. We want to be first-class citizens and to be part of the country’s development, but we want to be so without ceasing to be indigenous.
