Peace Process Ends, Govt to Retake FARC Zone

Armed Forces to Retake Zone

Pastrana revoked the FARC's political status and ordered the Armed Forces to retake the FARC zone only 2 and a half hours later, at midnight EST.

Colombians React with Relative Calm

The initial reaction among Colombians has been surprisingly mute. "I think it's the right decision," said a University student. "We have no other option," a pilot commented. Another student explained that she was scared and now, more than ever, wanted to leave the country.

Pastrana: I Kept My Promises

In his speech to the nation, Pastrana blamed the FARC for the rupture, saying he had negotiated in good faith and kept his promises.

117 Terrorist Attacks in 30 Days

The FARC, he claimed had escalated their campaign of attacks on civilians and infrastructure, with a total of 117 "terrorist" attacks in the last 30 days, leaving 20 civilians dead and 33 energy towers downed.

Highjacking "Overflowed the Cup"

Yesterday's highjacking of a commercial flight out of Neiva, in Southern Colombia, coupled with the subsequent kidnapping of two passengers, including Senator Jorge Eduardo Gechem Turbay, and the dynamiting of a bridge in Northwestern Antioquia province that left 4 civilians dead has "overflowed the cup of indignation," the President said. The FARC now hold 5 Colombian Congressmen.

Aerial Photos of Rebel Zone Add to Problems

Adding to the indignation, Pastrana showed on TV aerial photos of the zone that indicated as many as 20 new landing strips, new coca plantations and what he called a "possible prison" for kidnapping victims.

EU, Most Presidential Candidates Support Move

All but one of the candidates for the upcoming presidential elections came out behind the President. The AUC paramilitary groups also supported the move saying, "The FARC's irrationality and barbarism made the decision inevitable." The European Union made a statement saying the decision was justified but that they would continue seeking a peaceful solution.

FARC Blame Oligarchy, Government

The FARC responded with a statement through ANNCOL blaming the oligarchy's intolerance for the breakdown in talks and saying that the discussions broke off because they were becoming difficult for the government.

FARC: Politicians are "Bloodsuckers"

In an editorial published on Bogota weekly El Espectador's website, the FARC made a rambling statement ridiculing Liberal Party presidental candidate Horacio Serpa and the United States. The FARC justified the kidnapping of Senator Gechem Turbay saying Colombian legislators are the "bloodsuckers" of the Colombian economy and are responsible for war policies that result in attacks on Colombians. The rebel groups insisted they are still seeking peace.

Air Forces Attacks Zone, Ground Forces Preparing

After the midnight deadline for the evacuation of the rebel zone, the Colombian Air Force reported flying 200 missions from Tres Esquinas military base in Caqueta province and attacking 85 strategic points in the zone, including landing strips, military camps, coca plantations and FARC-built roads. Ground troops, including Special Forces and counter-insurgency brigades are reported to be preparing to enter the zone.