Colombian bishop welcomes rebel group's transformation into political party

July 28, 2014

The move by former guerilla groups to form political parties is a step toward peace for Colombia, Bishop Julia Cesar Vidal Ortiz told the Fides news service.

The bishop, who has served as a mediator between the government and rebel leaders, welcomed the announcement that Alianza de la unidad Colombiana has transformed itself into a political movement, the Alianza Colombiana de la Unidad por la Paz. The group pointed that an agreement between the government and another rebel faction, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), allowing for guerrillas to become active in the political process.

Bishop Vidal Ortiz said that the rebel groups were “born because of poverty in the country, injustice and corruption.” He welcomed their choice to work for change through non-violent means.

 

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Further information:

• Guerrilla groups become political parties: for the Church this is a positive step (Fides)