We welcome measures that will prevent attacks and lead to the capture and prosecution of the individuals who plan and take part in them. However, we are very skeptical of the ability of this committee to carry out its duties. In the past, similar measures have been no more than the sheets of paper they are announced on. Indeed, the last time President Pastrana announced such a group, in February 2000 and after a similar series of massacres, it never even met. Most arrest warrants issued by the Attorney General remained unexecuted.
Paramilitary leaders remain at large and collect warrants like badges of honor.
Military officers with histories of ties to paramilitary groups remain on active duty. Indeed, high ranking military officers continue to attack human rights groups, calling them guerrilla facades or even drug traffickers, in defiance of President Pastrana's explicit orders to respect the work of these groups. We ask you to urge President Pastrana to take emergency measures to stop the paramilitary advance, investigate and punish soldiers who work with them, and ensure that the rule of law is enforced for all Colombians. We also ask that you call on him to move swiftly to investigate the Chengue massacre and ensure that those responsible face justice. To improve the human rights situation in Colombia, we are convinced that the United States should enforce strict conditions on assistance to Colombia to ensure that the Colombian Government severs links, at all levels, between the Colombian military and paramilitary groups.