In the FARC’s first public statement since the death of military leader “Mono Jojoy,” the guerrilla group says it is “calling for a chance at peace, not for surrender,” reports EFE.
The statement said that annihilating the FARC won’t bring peace to Colombia. “The only way is a political and peaceful solution to the social and armed internal conflict. In this we are and will be a determining factor,” said the statement, released by the Agencia de Noticias Nueva Colombia (Anncol) on behalf of the rebels.
The group warned that “other strategies” only “prolong the cycle of war.”
The FARC said, “While there is injustice, displaced and exiled people, hoarding of land and riches, co-governed drug and paramilitary organizations, impunity, corruption, extreme poverty … there will still be the core reasons for the existence of the FARC.”
Mono Jojoy, second-in-command of the rebel organization, was killed Wednesday by an air strike on his camp in the Meta department. The raid was the culmination of “Operation Sodom,” which killed more than 20 guerrillas.
The FARC have proposed dialogue to the Santos administration, but refuse to meet the government’s demand that the rebels cease violence and release all hostages before talks begin.
The rebel group launched a campaign of attacks which have killed at 56 members of the armed forces since Santos took office on August 7. Santos responded by categorically ruling out peace talks, declaring his government’s determination to beat the rebels.
Some voices such as Senator Piedad Cordoba have long advocated peace talks with the FARC. The Liberal politician said Thursday that Mono Jojoy’s death doesn’t mean Colombia can abandon dialogue.
“You have to sit down and define together the next steps to take,” Cordoba stated on her website. “Crushing one another will not strengthen democracy.”