Versión Español
EspañolOn Wednesday, February 4, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) issued a proposal for the establishment of a fund for the victims of Colombia’s civil war. The announcement comes amid ongoing negotiations between the guerrilla and the Colombian government taking place in Havana, Cuba.
The FARC’s proposal suggests the fund consist of at least 3 percent of Colombia’s GDP and be marked as “priority spending,” financed partly through reductions in military spending, compensation from the US government, and international contributions, among other sources.
The rebel army recommends the fund be further supported by money gained from the creation of a new tax on dividends, a reallocation of the country’s estate tax, special contributions from large landowners and agribusinesses, and any company that profited from weapons or chemicals during the conflict.
The FARC also seek an exemption to the “principle of fiscal sustainability” for the fund, in order to avoid a cap on reparations for the victims.
Guerrilla commander Carlos Antonio Lozada said reparations should include “political, economic, social, cultural, symbolic, and psycho-social aspects” and be overseen by a “National Council on Integral Reparation.”
The council would be leaded by elected representatives comprised of women, farmers, indigenous, Afro-Colombians, varied political parties, social and political organizations, labor unions, and representatives of the National Planning Department and the Finance Ministry.
Colombian General Javier Flórez, who leads the Technical Subcommittee for the End of Conflict, and Colonel Vicente Sarmiento, also attended Wednesday’s meeting with FARC representatives. Both high-ranking officers are expected to discuss with peace negotiators the “bylines and goals” of the subcommittee.
The remaining points on the negotiation agenda include a bilateral ceasefire, the disarmament of the guerrilla army, the mechanisms through which final agreements are ratified and applied.
Sources: Infolatam, Telesur, Colombia Reports.
