Ricardo issued a public statement in the Palace last night. The National Government has expressed and reiterated its willingness to commit all of its resources to confront the self defense and private justice groups that now operate within national territory. It will make Colombians realize that the use of arms is exclusively for the State and no one can take justice into their own hands. Its expressed intention to support democratic institutions, recover territory or combat subversion, are arguments that the National Government emphatically rejects in all circumstances. The administration wants to put an end to all the forms of violence that have negatively impacted Colombian society for decades, including the organization that trains member of the self defense and private justice groups that have responded to the subversive phenomenon.
Violence only brings more violence.
3.The bloody offensive that has taken place during the last few days by the paramilitary groups confirms, once again, that its existence constitutes one of the most serious and perverse factors of the armed conflict. This isn't a valid reason to justify the unwarranted attacks on defenseless individuals who don't participate in hostile militant behavior. The intensity of the combat against the paramilitary groups will be increased. This has been decided upon independently of the peace process initiated with the insurgence movements, over the understanding that the disassembly is a task that is the State's priority. The obligation neither is nor will be subject to change and the outcomes of the dialogues and the negotiation with the insurgency.