Zapatista rebels have denounced recent military movements in the southern state of Chiapas, saying the government is trying to prevent them holding renewed talks with a congressional peace commission .

A rebel statement said the army had stepped up its patrols since the Zapatistas decided ten days ago to re-start the negotiations with the commission, which includes legislators from the governing party and the opposition.

The government has rejected the accusations, saying that the military manoeuvres were part of normal security operations.

The Zapatistas staged an uprising in 1994 demanding greater autonomy and rights for the indigenous Indian population.Direct talks between the two sides were suspended two years ago.