The FARC denied claims by Ecuador military commander that the guerrilla group has purchased large amounts of arms during the cease-fire.
The guerrilla leader Rodrigo Granda rejected General Fernando Proaño’s statements after he accused the FARC of increasing weapons purchases in Ecuador during the unilateral cease-fire.
“Since the beginning of the peace process…we have captured a great amount of ammunition, arms and therefore we know they [FARC] took advantage of this situation to strengthen their position in preparation of what might happen in the future,” said the Ecuador General, who commands the Colombia-Ecuador border.
Ecuadorean authorities recently seized explosives bound for armed groups that operate along border zones.
The FARC is set to terminate its two-month cease-fire on January 20 while peace talks with the Colombia government in Havana continue.
Although he denies the Ecuador General’s claims, Granda told local media “we have declared a unilateral ceasefire which expires on January 20 and it is the government saying that the war continues. The only thing the FARC are doing is exercising their right to self-defense.”
