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DATE=5/24/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=COLOMBIA BLOCKADES (L ONLY) CQ
NUMBER=2-262777
BYLINE=RHODA METCALFE
DATELINE=BOGOTA
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO:  Transportation to Colombia's coast has been 
paralyzed by a popular backlash to the government's 
latest olive branch (peace initiative) to leftist 
guerrillas.  Earlier this month the government agreed 
to withdraw troops from an area in northern Colombia, 
as requested by the rebels, but angry local residents 
have reacted by putting up highway blockades. We have 
more from Rhoda Metcalfe in Bogota. 
TEXT: The Colombian government expected applause when 
it announced the launch of peace talks with the 
National Liberation Army, better known as the E-L-N.  
The reaction has been just the opposite.  What's 
kicked up controversy is the government's promise to 
pull troops out of three municipalities to create a 
safe zone where talks can begin.  Residents in that 
area say they fear living under rebel rule. For two 
weeks they've camped out at six locations along the 
highway linking Bogota to the coast --  in a bid to 
change the government's mind.
            /// DIAZ SPANISH ACT FADES UNDER ///
At one protest, Loher Diaz, mayor of a nearby town, 
argued that people in  the area want more military 
protection, not less. He said the guerrillas are 
constantly attacking the population, and the army 
should be chasing them out.  
This region used to be a stronghold of the E-L-N. But 
over the past year, right-wing paramilitary groups 
have moved in.  Using strategic massacres of suspected 
rebel sympathizers, they've forced thousands to leave 
their homes and repopulated towns with their own 
supporters.  Some analysts believe paramilitary 
leaders are behind the current protests, because they 
don't want the E-L-N to gain legitimacy and regain 
territory. But in a TV interview, a local paramilitary 
leader known as Julian, denied the charge.
            /// JULIAN SPANISH ACT FADES UNDER ///
He said we haven't pressured any farmers to join the 
protests.  Though he admitted they have helped 
transport residents to the blockades. 
The paramilitaries are known to have links to 
Colombia's army. Some analysts believe some military 
leaders and powerful land tycoons want to disrupt the 
peace process. For now, the government's main 
objective is to get highway traffic moving again, 
because the blockades are costing millions and 
undermining confidence in the peace process. (Signed)
NEB/rm/gm 
24-May-2000 18:06 PM LOC (24-May-2000 2206 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.