Uribe open to overseas observers in Colombia

by Andrew Bounds

Colombia could accept an international force on its soil to police efforts to secure the release of more hostages from Marxist guerrillas, its president has said.

Álvaro Uribe told the FT in an interview on a visit to Brussels that he was open to the idea, which surfaced during a trip to France on Monday. Nicolas Sarkozy, French president, is pushing for the release of Ingrid Betancourt, a French citizen kidnapped by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia while campaigning for office in early 2002.

As a gesture to Mr Sarkozy he released 152 Farc fighters and agreed to talks.

“We have accepted the presence of international observers. I was asked in France about the presence of an international force. At first glance I do not see any [problem]. We could consider this proposition,” he said.

Mr Uribe, who has taken a hardline approach to the rebels who have been fighting the government for almost half a century, is willing to talk with them on neutral ground as long as it is uninhabited. He will not restore a free zone closed in 2002 as the rebels have asked.

He has accepted two mediation efforts – one by the domestic Catholic church, the other by France, Spain and Switzerland. While Hugo Chávez, president of neighbouring Venezuela, has secured freedom for two hostages, his efforts were purely bilateral, Mr Uribe said.

He welcomed any future releases by the Farc “because of consideration for any individual in the war”. Asked if he meant Mr Chávez, who has accused Colombia of plotting to kill him, he said: “I am talking in the abstract. My only answer is to send my message of respect and affection to . . . the people of Venezuela.”

Mr Uribe also refused to rule out categorically a third term in office. He has already changed the constitution once to secure his second mandate, until 2010. Polls show he would win a referendum to alter it again – though he could be blocked by the judiciary.

Only 55, he still jogs most mornings and enjoys his role, making an appearance at Davos this week.. He had halved murder and doubled investment while prosecuting a war on drugs in the troubled country, he said.

He hinted that he would like to defeat the 16,000-strong Farc before stepping down, talking of need for “the continuation of our policy”.

“The fundamentals must be preserved. You have to introduce an adjustment every morning in Colombia,” he said.

Asked if he was the only man who could control the turbulent state, he said: “We need new leaders. We need to progress. But I cannot turn my back to all the fundamentals: this country needs certainty to overcome many obstacles.

“My generation has not lived one single day in peace. What we want for the future generation is to live in peace.”

Asked to name a new leader, he declined, though has in the past has talked of Andres Arias, the young agriculture minister with an economics doctorate.

The US has given Mr Uribe strong backing, which will be reflected when he hosts Condoleezza Rice, secretary of state, in his home town of Medellín.

Source: Financial Times