tant source of cash income. Already they are suffering from low prices for coffee, another cash crop, due to government's elimination of financial support for that production. They also know that export development means ecological destruction, especially deforestation. (Marcos) Although Mexican troops quickly retook most of the territory held by the rebels and a cease-fire was called soon afterward, the rebel group generated momentum for political reform in Mexico. A government negotiating team, headed by former Mexico City mayor Manuel Camacho Solis, met with rebel leaders and offered them a 34-point proposed agreement that included promises of political changes, new social programs, land reform, and better standards of living. However, the group rejected the plan in June.Subcommandante Marcos is the enigmatic spokesperson and highest army commander of the Zapatista National Liberation Army. He is known for his well-written press releases filled with wit and sarcasm. He is always masked in public, and often smokes a pipe. The government claims to have "identified" Marcos as Rafael Sebastian Guillen Vicente, but Marcos and the EZLN have denied this.Major Ana Mari'a was the commander of the operation for taking the municipal palace of San Cristo'bal for the Zapatista National Liberation Army (EZLN). She was 25 years old when she joined the Zapatista Army and saw almost the whole process of how it moved forward. She was one of the first women who was part of the ranks of the Army and has risen to hold the highest rank of any woman in the EZLN. (Gabriel) This revolt affects the current exchange rate due to the uncertainty surrounding this uprising. Many valuable resources can be found in the Chiapas region, such as timber, coffee and oil. Many foreign industries have reduced or canceled work in the region for fear of being caught between the EZLN and government troops. There is much more fighting taking place than most American newspapers...
