Zapatistas, government open informal talks

A day after leaders of the Zapatista rebel movement in Mexico made a historic appearance in congress, the guerrillas have opened informal peace talks with the government.

The discussions were headed by a senior Zapatista leader, Comandante German, and an advisor to the president, Vicente Fox.

On Thursday, Mr Fox said he was confident a peace agreement with the rebels was in sight.

He has made a number of concessions to the guerrillas in an attempt to restart formal talks.

They include the release of all rebel prisoners, the closure of several army bases and draft legislation strengthening indigenous Indian rights.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service