Padilla sworn in as Austria ambassador

Former commander of the armed forces of Colombia, Freddy Padilla, has been sworn in as ambassador to Austria, El Espectador reported.

Padilla will also represent Colombia at the United Nations and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The former general headed the armed forces for five years, before stepping down in August 2010. He was widely regarded in Colombia as a successful military leader.

Ecuador has re-opened legal proceedings against Padilla for his role in the 2008 cross-border raid on a FARC camp in Ecuadorean territory.

Padilla has also served as chief of army operations, army inspector general, and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.