'There's already a path to resolve the crisis and renew the peace process,' announces today's El Tiempo. |
'The people have the key to peace,' says a sign at a demonstration today against the suspension of the peace talks. |
El Tiempo, Colombia's leading newspaper, headlined 'Advances in moves to achieve general's liberation.'
Remember that the FARC, who had promised to stop kidnapping, grabbed a general and his assistants while he traveled in civilian clothes without bodyguards no apparent hostile intent.
The FARC want find a fast solution to the crisis they caused themselves, they say. |
The contrast with the episode a few weeks ago when the guerrillas murdered several NASA indigenous guards for removing a banner which the guerrillas had hung on indigenous territory could hardly be greater.
That time, government officials denounced the killings, but continued talking peace with the FARC. This time, the government suspended negotiations, but seems to be trying to put a positive spin on the guerrillas' crime. Prosecutor General Eduardo Montealegre termed the kidnapping an 'improper retention' - using what is traditionally the guerrillas' own euphemism for kidnapping.
Pres. Santos won reelection primarily thanks to support for the peace talks, and he's determined not to let anything, even murder or kidnapping, derail them.
For their part, FARC leaders in Havana said they wanted to resolve the situation as quickly as possible and find "a fast, tranquil and just solution to this problem." Strange comments coming from the organization which caused the crisis in the first place and presumably could end it at any moment by freeing the general and other kidnappees.
Students on the National University campus in Bogotá walk past a mural celebrating the FARC guerrillas. |
This evening, the FARC promised to free the general, his two assistants and two other soldiers held by the guerrillas.
By Mike Ceaser, of Bogotá Bike Tours
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