After his first year in office, President Juan Manuel Santos gave a speech in which he addressed developments in the fight against armed groups.
On Monday, Santos explained that he is interested in the pursuit of peace with armed groups, but only given the right circumstances.
“I must reiterate that of course I’m interested in the pursuit of peace, as President of the Republic, for me to lead any effort leading to an eventual dialogue, but only when the circumstances are appropriate,” he said.
Santos added that attacks against civilians and members of the security forces will never bring about peaceful resolutions.
But the head of state also asserted that Colombian forces “remain in the offensive against insurgent groups, criminal gangs and crime.”
While members of armed groups have been forced to change their strategies, Santos said that the reforms occuring in government have to do with “the instruments of democracy and the hand of the constitution.”