Colombia’s former president Alvaro Uribe explicitly refused to meet with the FARC leader “Timochenko” to discuss his opposition to the ongoing peace talks in Havana.
During his time as President of Colombia between 2002-2010, Uribe took a hard-line stance against FARC rebels and restored a semblance of order to the country at a major human cost.
Uribe has opposed the peace talks formalized by his successor, Juan Manuel Santos, in his position as a senator and enjoys significant popular support.
Timochenko had sent two very politely worded letters to Uribe asking him to meet and discuss the peace talks and the former president’s opposition to them.
“President Uribe, we are ready to speak calmly with you about the future of our nation. In Havana, or in whatever place in Colombia you prefer… Let’s discuss your call for national resistance to peace.”
“Timochenko”
While Colombia’s FARC guerrillas invite Uribe to reconcile, Santos hurls accusations
Former Minister Alvaro Leyva (Conservative Party) also lent his support to the idea on Tuesday, saying that “a peace without Uribe is an incomplete peace.”
However, after initially ignoring Timochenko’s letters, Uribe made it clear he has no intention of meeting Timochenko.
“The government is qualified to take part in the negotiations. From my position as a simple citizen with the responsibilities of a senator, I have made some observations and I have made them known to the government and to those who are talking with FARC”
Alvaro Uribe
The former president said his objections to the peace talks could be transmitted by the negotiators or by the international delegates taking part.
He added that he had voiced his concerns about the peace agreement through the appropriate channels, but claimed none of his proposals had been incorporated in made deals between the government and the guerrillas.
“We are always willing to have a dialogue with Doctor Leyva, Bernie Aronson, Kofi Anna and the Government delegates, and our concerns are widely known, but what has happened is that it has made no difference.”
Alvaro Uribe
As the peace talks in Havana appear to be entering the final stretch, Uribe has called for civil resistance from the public.