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Orders Rebel Leaders' Arrest
Federal Judicial Police have arrested eight Zapatista National Liberation Army (EZLN) leaders and, according to press reports, haveanhunt Tor rebel leader Marcos. President Zedillo justified the moveselevised address last night in which he revealed Marcos's true identity and the discovery in Mexico City and Veracruz of extensive arms caches and armed EZLN elements preparing for attacks.
Zedillo slopped short ofilitary offensive bul ordered increased patrolling in Chiapas; violence could quickly escalate, however, given the Zapatista rank-and-file militancy and ongoing land disputes between peasants and landowners.
Although Zedillo reiterated lhe government's commitmenl to resolving thec< peaceful ly, the arrest of top insurgent leaders willacuum in the EZLNleadership, seriouslycomplicating future government efforts ta renew peace talks. Zedillo has pledged topecial session of Congress to report on the situation and to consider legislation that would provide amnesty to rebels agreeing lo turn in their weapons.
Already shaky financial markets almost certainly will react negatively to Zedillo's
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