Rally for Peace in Colombia

My name is Juan Diego Castro. I am a member of the student body at UWO and creator of the Coalition to Peaceful Sotuions, a student organization that advocates for a peaceful solution to the Colombian conflict.

Our group is concern ed with the current sociopolitical situation of Colombia, where (warmogering) president Uribe (supported by the Bush adminstraition) has polarised the country by encouraging the full elimination of the FARC guerrila movement, and delegitimizing the new politcal left centre political party. One has to understand that Colombia is a country that has not seen the light of peace since its independence from Spain, and as a consequence its population has grown in a cyclical violent society which turns to murder to solve conflicts.

Our organization encourages an end to the cycle of violence by supporting political reconciliation to build a better country in democratic ways.

Our group:

-We advocate for a peaceful solution to the Colombian conflict.
-We believe that warfare does not have a place in the Colombian conflict (being state, paramilitary or guerrilla military actions)
-We advocate for political negotiation between the parties involved in the armed conflict.
-We denounce the kidnapping and/or torture of civilians in any type of conflict.
-We encourage critical non-partisan discussion about the Colombian conflict focused on a peaceful resolution.
-We denounce the current government for the use of techniques to promote warfare against its population and neighboring countries.
-We do not affiliate with any type of ideals that forbid inclusiveness of all members of society.

I want to invite you to cover a demonstration which will take place Monday February 4th at 12pm in Victoria Park.

We believe that its a powerful cause which needs to be brought to the attention of the public in general.

We truly appretiate your support and hope to see you at the demonstration.