The diplomatic crisis that had threatened Andean economic and political stability was resolved on March 7 with a theatrical reconciliation of the presidents of Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela and Nicaragua at a summit of the Rio Group in the Dominican Republic.
However, it is unclear whether the settlement will lead to political progress in the region.
Discord flared following a Colombian nighttime military offensive against a camp of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, in Ecuadorian territory on March 1.
A key member of the guerrillas’ ruling Secretariat — alias “Raúl Reyes” — was killed in the raid.
The violation of sovereignty led Ecuador’s President Rafael Correa, Venezuela’s Hugo Chávez and later Nicaragua’s Daniel Ortega to break off diplomatic relations with Colombia.
The two Andean nations mobilized troops towards their borders with Colombia.
In response, Colombia presented documents allegedly found on Reyes’ laptop that the Ecuadorian government had tolerated the FARC’s presence in its territory, that the group funded Correa’s 2006 election campaign, and that Venezuela’s Chávez had financially supported the guerrillas.
DE VIRKELIGE OFRE
At least 10 indigenous groups live in the border regions of Colombia, in which violence has heightened over the past decade as drug eradication policies and military offensives have pushed illegal armed groups from the center of the country.
– As indigenous peoples, we don’t have borders. We do have a deep commitment to peace and we watched the diplomatic crisis with great concern, Luis Evelis Andrade, president of the National Indigenous Organization of Colombia said.
A NEW TWIST
Thursday’s diplomatic denouement marked a swift and unexpected turnaround.
Following various hours of negotiations, Correa, Chávez and Ortega all shook hands cordially with Uribe.
CHAVEZ´s STIL MÅSKE ET PROBLEM
However, it remains to be seen whether the agreement leads to a reactivation of Chávez’s role in the release of hostages held by the FARC.
Around 700 people are currently held by the guerrillas.
Chávez’s intervention has secured the release of six hostages after his role as an official mediator for a more general deal was revoked by Uribe last November.
The Venezuelan leader responded to the death of “Raúl Reyes” by labeling him “a good revolutionary.”
– Chávez’s role is kind, but also damaging. His attitude towards the FARC, and his way of supporting them, is worrying, says Edwin Uribe of the Bogota-based nongovernmental organization Redepaz, which advocates a peaceful solution to Colombia’s armed conflict.
According to Edwin Uribe, “The relationship Chávez has with the FARC is one that no other state has and it could make him indispensable. However, there are other states that have been strengthening their position, not just on behalf of Ingrid Betancourt, but for all the hostages. And President Uribe would prefer any state other than Chávez as a mediator.
Kilde: www.lapress.org
