The FARC have advocated for a “political solution” and a “civilized” end to the Colombian conflict, according to a communique released Monday for the guerrilla organization’s 47th anniversary, Spanish news agency EFE reported.
“We have never renounced the [idea of a] political solution to the social and armed conflict that the Colombian oligarchy continues to deepen in each government cycle,” said the report, signed by the leadership of the FARC on May 27, and originally released by the pro-FARC news agency Anncol.
“It is the mobilization of all of the sectors of Colombian society that will impose a political end to the conflict, beginning with the humanitarian accord that would liberate all of the political prisoners that are found in state jails and prisoners of war in the power of the insurgency,” said the FARC leaders.
The leaders said that they have done all in their power to come to a political solution over the years of the FARC’s existence, but that the Colombian government has kept this from happening.
They went on to state, “Compatriots, peace is a right that we have to make a reality in this country flooded with humiliation. Barbarity can’t continue being part of our destiny for another 47 years.”
President Juan Manuel Santos’ administration has thus far maintained that the FARC must cease all terrorist activities and release all hostages before any meaningful dialogue about conflict resolution can ensue.