International Outlook: GLOBAL WRAPUP

MEXICAN SWITCH?

Mexico is awash in rumors that Manuel Camacho, President Carlos Salinas de Gortari's special envoy to troubled Chiapas state, could wind up as the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party's presidential candidate in the August elections. Camacho would displace Luis Donaldo Colosio, the party's choice back in November before guerrilla unrest erupted. However, Camacho's chances, which are small at best, could be hurt by the slow progress of talks with the Chiapas rebels. The guerrillas have ridiculed an amnesty law that Salinas rushed through Congress, and he got a cold reception on a recent visit to Chiapas.