Guillen was born on 19 June 1957, in Tampico, Tamaulipas, to Alfonso Guillen and Maria del Socorro Vincente. He was the fourth of eight children. A former elementary school teacher, Alfonso owned a chain of furniture stores, and the family is usually described - including by Guillen himself - as middle class.
Restoration of the peace talks
On the night of 3 April 1995 at 8:55 pm the first meeting between representatives of the EZLN and those of the Zedillo's government were held. Moctezuma sent his under secretary, Luis Maldonado, to deliver a letter to Zapatista representatives in radio communication with Marcos. The letter expressed the Secretary of Interior's commitment to find a political path to resolve the conflict.  In contrast to many other talks - with broad media exposure, strong security measures, and great ceremony - Maldonado decided on secret talks, alone, without any disruptive security measures. He went to the Lacandon Jungle to meet with Marcos. Secret negotiations took place in Prado Pacayal, Chiapas, witnessed by Cuauhtemoc Cardenas Batel. Marcos and Maldonado established parameters and a location for the peace dialog between the parties. After several days of unfruitful negotiations, without reaching any specific agreements, Maldonado proposed an indefinite suspension of hostilities. On his way out, he said: "If you do not accept this, it will be regretted not having made the installation of the formal dialog in the time established by the Peace Talks Law." Marcos took this as a direct threat, and did not reply.  Subcomandante Marcos gave a statement to the Witness of Honor, Cuauhtemoc Cardenas Batel:  You have been witness to the fact that we have not threatened or assaulted these people, they have been respected in their person, property, their liberty and life. You have witnessed that the Zapatista Army of National Liberation has a word and has honor; you have also been witness to our willingness to engage in dialog. Thank you for taking the trouble to come all the way down here and have contributed with your effort to a peaceful settlement of the conflict, we hope that you will continue contributing in this effort to avoid war and you and your family, continue accepting to be witnesses of honor in this dialog and negotiation process.  Marcos asked Batel to accompany Moctezuma and Maldonado to Ocosingo to verify their departure in good health having been unharmed. The meeting ended 7 April 1995 at 4:00 am.

Q: When did he start peace talks?
A: On the night of 3 April 1995 at 8:55 pm

Q: Why did he start peace talks?
A: The letter expressed the Secretary of Interior's commitment to find a political path to resolve the conflict.

Q: Was the peace talks a success?
A: After several days of unfruitful negotiations, without reaching any specific agreements, Maldonado proposed an indefinite suspension of hostilities.

Q: Did they try anything else after the peace talks failed?
A: Maldonado proposed an indefinite suspension of hostilities.
Did he win any awards?
unknown
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