U Party, Senator Benedetti in war of words

Without mentioning his name, the U Party on Wednesday has sent a clear signal to Senator Armando Benedetti, emphasizing party “unity” while threatening sanctions against “the isolated voice that is attacking the party from within.”

The U Party move comes after a series of recent clashes underlining a growing rift between the ex-president of the senate and his party.

This rift was highlighted by a pact made last week between the U Party and the Conservative party to vote against the controversial gay marriage law, proposed and strongly backed by Benedetti.

MORE: Congress ‘divided’ on gay marriage: Senator

The party declaration refers to “unjust and perfidious personal attacks” made against U Party co-director Aurelio Iragorri and Senate President Roy Barreras, both of whom have clashed with the outspoken senator in recent weeks.

Benedetti struck out at Barreras after he postponed the congressional debate on gay marriage on April 5, saying “[Barerras] doesn’t care about inequality or the rights of anybody.”

Benedetti then criticized Iragorri last week, saying he didn’t know whether attribute the senator’s inconsistency over the peace process and the economy to “lack of intelligence or Alzheimer’s.”

Iragorri responded by accusing Benedetti of being a drug addict.

Senator Mauricio Lizcano, also of the U Party, declared his belief that Benedetti “has an interest in damaging the party and dividing us” and indicated that the senator wants to influence U Party members to join the Liberal party.

Benedetti, speaking to weekly Semana, spoke of his “exasperation” with his current party, saying that he would like “an attitude that is more forward-looking, modern and more liberal in the best sense of the word.”

“I would like a party that gives guarantees to minorities, that doesn’t discriminate them, disregard and attack them. I would like a party that defends human rights, that is comprehensive, contemporary and young” he said.