Colombia’s prosecutor general said Monday that a successful peace process could open the door for guerrilla groups FARC to shape the country’s democratic life.
“If you think of a peace process and the end of armed conflict, the alternative for people is to participate in public life and to participate in elections,” Prosecutor General Eduardo Montealegre told newspaper El Pais, using as an example current Bogota Mayor Gustavo Petro, a former member of the M-19 which disbanded in 1991.
Monteleagre told the media that the Legal Framework for Peace, passed in June, provides the opportunity for former guerrillas who are not suspected of human rights violations to enter into political life and he expects new political parties to be formed.
The framework has four articles; that a truth commission be created; the power over all laws governing demobilization is passed to congress for four years; what are considered crimes are regulated for the purpose of participation in politics; funds that were used in military spending will be allocated to fund the post-conflict.
“The main legal instruments are already enshrined given that there is a possibility that the demobilized, eventually, may be exempt from criminal liability,” said Monteleagre.
The prosecutor general added that the peace process “would be great news for the country after so many years of armed conflict and fighting.”
Monteleagre also approved of the way the peace talks had been kept quiet until now. “It’s better to drive with prudence, I think the dialogue had to be carried out in secret, such secrecy is resulting in a great peace process.”