1^st of January

In the Third Declaration of the Lacandon Jungle, the EZLN proposes to civil society the formation of a Movement for National Liberation.

Mid-January

Meeting between the General Command of the Zapatistas and the then Secretary of the Interior, Esteban Moctezuma Barragán.

9^th of February

The government reveals the supposed identity of Subcomandante Marcos and orders the detention of the Zapatista leaders. More than 20,000 peasants flee to the mountains in fear of the Army. A strong military presence is established in the conflict zone. In Mexico City, thousands of persons demonstrate in opposition to the military offensive.

11^th of March

The Mexican Congress passes the Law for Dialogue, Reconciliation and Dignified Peace in Chiapas. The Law defines a framework for re-establishing the peace process, and for as long as peace talks last, suspends arrest orders and military operations against the Zapatistas. The Peace and Reconciliation Committee (COCOPA) is created, made up of legislators from all political parties represented in the Congress, with the objective of facilitating a new dialogue.

9^th of April

The first meeting between the Zapatistas, CONAI and the government delegation is held at the San Miguel Ejido, in the municipality of Ocosingo. The negotiations continue over several months with many interruptions. They conclude in the town of San Andres Larráinzar in the Chiapas highlands, which the Zapatistas rename Sacamch’en de los Pobres. The negotiations take place in six rounds:

• Round 1: Indigenous Rights and Culture
• Round 2: Democracy and Justice
• Round 3: Well-being and Development
• Round 4: Reconciliation in Chiapas
• Round 5: Women’s Rights
• Round 6: Ending of Hostilities

27^th of August-3^rd of September

The EZLN launches a national and international consultation to define the future of its struggle. More than a million people respond, the majority supporting the transformation of the EZLN into a political force of a new type.