Colombia’s armed forces fully support the government in its aim to begin peace talks with the country’s largest rebels groups FARC and ELN, the defense minister said Wednesday.
In a speech, Minister Juan Carlos Pinzon said there is unity among commanders of the armed forces in favor of the government’s intention to negotiate an end to the armed conflict.
“They have expressed their support to the president and the policy of the national government,” Pinzon said.
The Minister lashed out against former President Alvaro Uribe who has asserted that military morale is affected negatively because of the peace talks.
“I don’t think the claim that the troops’ morale is low is right. If there are whatever dialogues or advances today, it is the consequence of the achievements, successes and permanent blows by the armed forces,” said Pinzon.
The minister announced that while government representatives are talking to FARC representatives in Cuba, the Defense Ministry will speed up military education and training of the members and trainees of its armed forces to be able to up the number of soldiers with 7,000 and increase state presence throughout Colombia.
“This is a clear signal of our intentions. The people of Colombia must feel calm knowing that the security forces are there, the same security forces that has been dealing blows to any kind of illegal armed group.”