Talks between representatives of the Mexican Congress and Zapatista rebels have ended without agreement but with mediators hopeful that peace in the southern state of Chiapas is a step closer.

Javier Garcia, the president of the multi-party legislative Mediation and Pacification Commission COCOPA,said the rebels showed a desire for progress and are considering a series of similar meetings in the coming months.

The talks just ended were being held at the request of the rebels, who staged a violent uprising in 1994 demanding greater rights for the indigenous Indian population.