Communique from the Selva Lacandona

Augusto 1, 2008 - Zapatista Territory, Chiapas, México

A delegation from the National and International Caravan of Observation and Solidarity with the Zapatista Communities of Chiapas arrived on July 30 at La Realidad, Caracol 1, Mother of All Caracoles of the Sea of Dreams. Four additional delegations of the caravan traveled to the caracoles of Oventic, Morelia, and La Garrucha, as well as Cruztón.

This caravan was made up of adherents to the Other Campaign and collectives of support for the Zapatistas, coming from Spain, France, Germany, Iran, the United States, and various parts of Mexico, including Southern Baja California, Sonora, Mexico City, Mexico State, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. The delegation included five members of Solidarity Without Borders (New York, North Carolina and Texas).

Members of the delegation intend to disperse the word of the Zapatistas to their respective communities.

At the entrance to the caracol, the caravan was received by the women of the community, the local representatives, and the Good Governance Council.

The following day, members of the caravan met with the Good Governance Council, representatives of the Autonomous Councils, representatives of the Zapatista women, and promoters of health and education. In the discussion, they responded to numerous inquiries of the caravan concerning the achievements and the challenges of the Zapatista communities.

The meeting lasted nearly six hours, during which those present discussed important matters such as autonomy, health, education, the struggle of women, and the relationship with the land, among other questions.

Through August 9, the caravan will travel among the communities of the Caracol of La Realidad to listen to the testimonies of the struggles of the Zapatista peoples.