Zapatistas celebrate anniversary

Thousands of Zapatista rebels have celebrated the 13th anniversary of their brief uprising against the Mexican government with dances, songs and discussions aimed at improving the status of poor Indians in the southern state of Chiapas.

The ceremonies, which attracted hundreds of visitors from numerous countries, began on Sunday night.

Marcos, the Zapatista leader and spokesman, was present at the celebration held in the Zapatistas' base of Oventic, about 735km southeast of Mexico City.