Credibility of peace process depends on both sides, says Cardinal Castrillon

Aug 15, 2004 / 22:00 pm

The Prefect for the Congregation of the Clergy, Colombian-born Cardinal Dario Castrillon, said the credibility of the peace process between the national government and the United Self-Defenses of Colombia (AUC) does not depend on foreign observers but on the veracity and the fulfillment of the accords agreed to by both parties.

“The credibility of the process has nothing to do with somebody who lives in Switzerland, Germany or Spain.  They are not the ones who give it credibility.  The parties involved do so by acting in accord with the truth and fulfilling the agreements which are reached,” said the Cardinal during a visit to Monteria. 

Cardinal Castrillon said the peace process between the government and rebels “is an issue of peace, an issue about which the teaching of the Church is clear.”

The country “is changing for the better at a good pace” he said, adding that he during his visit he has found the country “more peaceful” and has seen that “people feel more secure, there is more hope.”

In this sense, the Cardinal gave his support to negotiations between the AUC and the government, and he downplayed criticism by officials and representatives of international non-governmental organizations that are not involved in the peace process.

On the other hand, Cardinal Castrillon clarified that he never commented on a proposal currently under study in Congress to change the term limits on the Colombian presidency, because “that is an exclusively political issue.”