DATE=7/24/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=COLOMBIA TALKS (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-264741
BYLINE=LISA SCHLEIN
DATELINE=GENEVA
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Colombian government officials and rebels are
holding two days of peace talks in Geneva. Lisa
Schlein reports the aim of the talks is to work out
details of a so-called "troop free" zone in northern
Colombia where the guerrilla movement can operate
without hindrance.
TEXT: Colombia's civil war has been going on for 36
years -- the longest running war in Latin America.
All previous efforts to achieve peace have defied the
best intentions. And, observers in Geneva admit they
expect little progress from these talks.
A senior Swiss official who opened the meeting called
it a historic moment for all who believe in the
possibility of a just peace in Colombia. He said the
aim is to begin building mutual confidence after
nearly 40 years of conflict and to work for a cease-
fire.
Before the talks began, the chief negotiator for the
rebel National Liberation Army, known as the E-L-N,
affirmed his group's commitment to peace. He
acknowledged his group and the government have many
differences. But, he said he believes confidence
between the two sides could be re-established.
The immediate aim of this meeting is to create a safe
zone for the E-L-N rebels, the second largest rebel
movement in Colombia. The rebels want to host a
national peace conference in the proposed zone.
The proposal faces stiff opposition from
conservatives, rightist paramilitary groups, and
residents who reportedly fear living under rebel
control.
Clashes between the rebels and Colombia's main right-
wing paramilitary force last week reportedly killed up
to 100 people. Since 1990, more than 35-thousand
people have died in the civil war.
The government temporarily released two guerrilla
leaders from prison so they could take part in the
talks in Geneva. Other top E-L-N leaders also are on
hand. Government officials are joined by dozens of
Colombian civic and religious leaders. In all, about
80 people are taking part in the negotiations.
Also present are about one-dozen Colombians whose
family members have been kidnapped by the guerrillas.
They are quietly demonstrating near the hotel where
the meetings are being held. They are asking the
guerrillas to free their relatives as a gesture of
peace. (Signed)
NEB/LS/JWH/PW
24-Jul-2000 10:32 AM EDT (24-Jul-2000 1432 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
|
Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list
|
|
|
