Pubdate: Wed, 03 Dec 2003 Source: Miami Herald (FL) Copyright: 2003 The Miami Herald Contact: http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/262 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/colombia.htm (Colombia) IN COLOMBIA, A MOVE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION Limited 'Demobilization' Is Risky But Worth The Effort The demobilization of hundreds of right-wing fighters in Colombia represents a worthwhile, albeit risky, venture by the administration of President Alvaro Uribe. For years, Colombia's embattled governments have been engaged in a bloody game of both ends against the middle, with soldiers pitted against leftist insurgents and lawless right-wing commandos who, in the name of anti-communism, have committed some of the worst atrocities. After 40 years of unceasing civil conflict, it should be clear that a political solution of some type is required. Mr. Uribe's goodwill proffer is a careful step in that direction. A Ray Of Hope The government insists that the 850 or so members of a militia belonging to United Self-Defense Forces (AUC) who surrendered last week are mostly young men ages 18 to 21 with no outstanding human-rights charges against them. They will be taken to a sort of halfway house where, according to the plan, they will remain for three weeks before entering job training or educational programs. If the government follows through with this process -- if the gunmen are not merely turned loose on the streets with no job and no future -- there is a chance for success. Critics, who have always believed the president is too close to the AUC, say Mr. Uribe's decision allows hundreds of killers and drug traffickers to go free under a process that lacks international supervision. But one must ask: If hundreds of fighters are willing to lay down their weapons, what option does the government really have? If there is a chance to bring them into a peace process, the logical thing is to try it, with corollary measures to ensure public safety. One such safeguard would be to avoid reaching a political deal with the worst members of the AUC -- including its leader, Carlos Castao, and anyone else accused of committing acts of butchery. Another would be to make sure that the surrendering soldiers turn in their arsenal. Reports from the scene of last week's demobilization suggest relatively few of the weapons conventionally carried by AUC soldiers were turned in. Find Peace Formula The history of Latin America in the past couple of decades in places such as Nicaragua and El Salvador suggests that peaceful solutions to civil conflicts require painful choices and difficult compromises. In those countries, individuals once labeled ''murderers'' and ''traitors'' are leaders of today's legislatures. It hasn't been easy to bring about peace in Central America. Nor will it be easy to find the right formula in Colombia, either. But as long as there are options that might start the process, reduce the level of fighting or open the door for negotiation, the effort must be made. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin