The chief negotiator of Colombia’s government urged rebel group FARC to take more responsibility for the victimization that occurred during 50 years of armed conflict both parties seek to end.
The FARC recently published their 10 minimum proposals in which the rebels lay out how they want to deal with the more than 6 million registered victims they are partly responsible for.
MORE: The FARC’s 10 proposals on victim reparation
In their proposals, the rebels urge a $11 billion fund to attend the victims.
According to government negotiation chief Humberto De la Calle this is not enough.
The rebels “should go beyond that,” said De la Calle, adding that what the government wants is “a clear statement, without excuses.”
The government negotiator rejected FARC concerns the rebels will be scapegoated for the violence, while in the rebels’ opinion, the state and Colombia’s private sector are similarly responsible.
MORE: FARC formally admits responsibility for victims of Colombia conflict
De la Calle assured the FARC that the responsibility for the committed crimes will be defined by a recently approved Truth Commission, “but this is the moment to assume responsibility clearly. Without hesitation.”
According to the government negotiator, the FARC needs to take concrete steps “without rhetoric.”
Victim reparation is the fourth of six points to be discussed in Havana, Cuba before a peace deal can be signed. The rebels and government have already agreed on a rural reform, political participation and drugs, but fail to agree on victims, the logistical end of the armed conflict, and the aftermath of the war.
