subcommandante marcos in EL PASO, TX

http://www.elpasotimes.com/breakingnews/ci_4585505

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Zapatista leader addresses bridge crowd (11:05 a.m.)

Times staff report

Article Launched:11/01/2006 10:24:53 AM MST

Carlos Marentes, left, El Paso farm labor organizer talked with Subcomandante Marcos, center, as a crowd of around 2,000 people surrounded them at the summit of the Stanton Street international bridge Wednesday. A group from the U.S. side gathered at the farmwoker center nearby and met the Mexican Zapatista leader. Video: Watch Subcomandante Marcos talk with supporters Tell us your opinion on Subcomandante Marcos
(Photo by Rudy Gutierrez / El Paso Times)

The Stanton Street bridge was closed to traffic this morning as Zapatista rebel leader Subcomandante Marcos walked across it to meet with U.S. sympathizers.

An estimated 2,500 people crowded the bridge to hear Marcos speak on a number of social issues including the Oaxaca teacher strike, the Mexican presidential election and the killings of women in Juarez.

During his appearance, a U.S. Homeland Security helicopter circled overhead keeping a watch on the crowd. No incidents of violence were reported on either side of the international bridge during the event.

Check back to elpasotimes.com later today for updates on this story and for video from Marcos' visit.

Subcomandante Marcos, center, spoke to a crowd of around 2,000 people at the summit of the Stanton Street international bridge Wednesday. A group from the U.S. side gathered at the farmwoker center nearby and met the Mexican Zapatista leader. (Photo by Rudy Gutierrez / El Paso Times)