If peace talks with Colombia’s illegal armed groups were to be held, it would be the result of the success of the country’s security forces, said President Juan Manuel Santos Sunday.
Santos announced that due to the strength and success of the military these groups “are willing to sit down and seek a different path.”
Although Santos noted it was a good sign that illegal groups wanted to pursue negotiations, he also said it was not yet time to start official talks, but and that when the times comes, the government must be in the position to set the agenda.
“Only when we are absolutely convinced that the circumstances are right that this dialogue will be under our control, then we will think of opening a dialogue,” said the president.
Santos told security forces and those who are doubtful of the peace process to “not be afraid of peace because peace is the victory and is the goal of any military anywhere in the world.”