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STATEMENT BY OAS SECRETARY GENERAL CESAR GAVIRIA

  January 10, 2002

César Gaviria, the Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary General, today expressed full support for President Andrés Pastrana's efforts for a negotiated solution to the armed uprising in Colombia.

"The entire Hemisphere can attest to the extremely generous and constructive posture of the Colombian government. There is still serious concern, however, because the armed groups have not responded to the government. Not only have these groups failed to respond to overtures by the government, civil society, political groups and the Colombian society at large, but they have continued their violent acts without any regard for international humanitarian law," Gaviria noted.

The Secretary General called on the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known by its Spanish acronym FARC, to accept the peace gestures, in the interest of a negotiated settlement that millions of Colombians as well as the international community seek . The international community has been unwavering in its support for efforts being made in Colombia.

Gaviria issued this statement from Managua, where he was attending the swearing-in of the new president.

Reference: E-004/02