Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bogota (Agenzia Fides) – With the support of the national government, the Catholic bishops of Colombia have established bridges of communication with so-called emerging gangs that are present in different regions of Colombia, to try and reduce levels of violence. According to information provided by the Department of Social Communication of the Colombian Bishops' Conference, the Bishop of Monteria, His Excellency Julio Cesar Vidal Ortiz, said that members of these illegal armed groups "are willing to engage in a rapprochement with a ceasefire of hostilities and dialogue." Bishop Vidal Ortiz has also announced that President Álvaro Uribe Vélez, who met with the bishops on February 8, "has given his support to continue the dialogue and approaches."
The Bishop of Monteria said he was confident that these organizations could be brought to justice and that "the government would open their space for reconciliation." Some contact has already been established with members of emerging gangs called "Los Rastrojos and Los Paisas," formed by demobilized paramilitary forces from the Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) and linked to drug trafficking. Clashes between these organizations in 2009 resulted in about 600 murders, and so far in 2010 there have been 40 deaths. "Since September we have been seeking a rapprochement with the emerging gangs. They are willing to enter into a ceasefire and, eventually, even dialogue with the government," said Bishop.
Even Bishop Jaime Prieto Amaya, Bishop of Cúcuta, said he organized a group that has been called an "engine" to seek rapprochement with groups of former paramilitaries. "We, as a Church, before a 'paraco' (paramilitary), a guerrilla, must try to establish a pastoral dialogue," the Bishop told the media at the 88th Assembly of Colombian Bishops, held in Bogota. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 10/02/2010)
