Panama’s former President Martin denies allegations that his government collaborated with Colombian terrorist group the FARC in order to maintain peace at its border.
Torrijos denies “absolutely” that his government collaborated with Colombian terrorist group the FARC in order to maintain peace at its border.
Torrijos’ statement follows accusations by Panamanian newspaper La Prensa that he and ex-president Mireya Moscoso (1994-2004) had entered into a non-aggression pact with the FARC to avoid clashes in its Darien region. Both Torrijos and Moscoso deny the charge, but the newspaper claims that 33 documents found in 2008 on the computer of slain FARC leader Raul Reyes reveal extensive contact.
Torrijos responded to the accusations by insisting that both he and outgoing Colombian President Alvaro Uribe “maintained a constant and assiduous cooperation on security and fighting organised crime, both on our common border and in all other areas where concerted action was required.”
In a statement posted on the website horacero.com.pa, Torrijos claimed that his government had extradited many FARC militants and taken action to ensure security on the border of Panama with Colombia, saying; “My government confiscated more drugs that all of Central America and the Caribbean together, which clearly proves our commitment and efficiency in this matter.
The information surfaced after current Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli said that his predecessor had reached an “amicable agreement” with the Colombian terrorist group, but that this was no longer the case.