A very interesting commentary in the LA Times today, written by Colombia's Vice President, about a recent law that passed which is aimed at dismantling the many civil war factions in Colombia. The commentary also provides a good overview history of the origins of the many different factions in the war.

Some highlights:

1. "...But over the last three years, the Colombian government has strengthened its ability to go after the terrorists and, as a result, homicides are down 40%, kidnappings 70%, and attacks have declined substantially."

2. "...On June 22, the Congress passed its law.

The new law establishes a comprehensive framework to dismantle terrorist organizations — both guerrilla groups and paramilitaries — and ensure the future security of Colombian citizens while guaranteeing a level of punishment and reparation to redress the crimes committed.

Under the law, combatants belonging to illegal armed groups must turn themselves in to the government, renounce terrorism, confess all crimes and accept the charges brought against them. Moreover, they must fully dismantle all the structures of their groups, surrender any ill-gotten assets, release all hostages, financially compensate the victims of their actions and pledge to refrain from engaging in future criminal conduct.

Those who fulfill all these conditions become eligible for a sentence of five to eight years for the crimes they have confessed. Up to 18 months of the time spent in concentration areas during negotiations may count toward time served. The law does not provide for any further reductions in sentence."

You can read the full articles at

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/opinion/la-oe-santos26jul26,1,387832.story?ctrack=1&cset=true

ED: I spent a good deal of time speaking with the locals in MDE, Cali and CTG and many people do seem to believe that Colombia today, is not the Colombia of a few years ago. The optimistism and new outlook by many Colombians were contagious; I hope the optimism is well placed. The law looks good on paper, but we'll have to see how it pans out in its application.

thx for the article. interesting read.

funny, a friend that has been visiting co for years just told me, he has a bad feeling since nothing has happened for awhile. guess he's a pessimist.

in researching for this trip, i did read somewhere that t/o most colombians' lives, they really hope that things will improve, but then something happens and they hide from the violencia. then the whole cycle repeats putting most citizens on edge as a result of this lifelong hope/hide pattern.

hope things have really changed this time around.

I have been living there since 2001 and the differance between now and then is huge.

Hunter

thanks hunter, it's always nice to get a local's perspective.

Perhaps travelers are also sensing a change as well. I also noticed in recent trips a lot more tourists, espec. Europeans and Isrealis, in CTG. Yoosin's recent report also indicates he noticed more gringos in MDE as I did in Cali also recently. CO is now flying directly into Cali and the flights seem almost full when I checked it out.

As I understand it Colombian law allows a maximum of one term for president. I think it would better the stability of the beautiful country if congress would vote to change the limitations on the presidential term.

i.e. Allow Uribe to run for a second term.

Not to disagree, but just to remind that Colombia still has its safety issues:

http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/americas/07/29/colombian.airlift.ap/index.html

Putumayo is way off the beaten path, but still its good to note that safety precautions, like staying inside of the larger cities, still apply.

LM