Colombia bishop says peace process with militias should not become political propaganda

Oct 4, 2004 / 22:00 pm

Bishop Julio Cesar Vidal Ortiz of Monteria, Colombia, is calling on opposition leaders not to obstruct the peace process which the government has begun with militia groups, as a part of their campaign against the reelection of President Alvaro Uribe.

Speaking on Radio Caracol, Bishop Videal said the peace process with illegal militia groups should not be used as a campaign issue in order to attack the reelection bid of Uribe.

“Just because one is against the president’s reelection doesn't mean the peace process should be torpedoed,” said the bishop, recalling that the negotiations are not with the Constitution Court nor with the Bishops Conference, but with an illegally armed group.