Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Judi Lynn

(160,219 posts)
Tue Mar 22, 2016, 12:15 AM Mar 2016

US urges Colombia and Farc to sign peace accord.

Source: BBC News

US urges Colombia and Farc to sign peace accord.
2 hours ago



US Secretary of State John Kerry had urged the Colombian government and the Farc rebels to redouble their efforts to reach a peace accord.

He met both delegations in Cuba, where the negotiations are being held.

Humberto de la Calle, the head of the Colombian delegation, said the US had offered to help provide security during the disarmament process if a deal is signed.

The talks are currently centred on the sensitive issue of disarmament.

Read more: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-35868451

2 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
US urges Colombia and Farc to sign peace accord. (Original Post) Judi Lynn Mar 2016 OP
Well, at long last, we have direct evidence that Obama supports these peace talks. Peace Patriot Mar 2016 #1
Obama and Kerry are brave to take this stand, but look who else worked towards this and Cuba karynnj Mar 2016 #2

Peace Patriot

(24,010 posts)
1. Well, at long last, we have direct evidence that Obama supports these peace talks.
Tue Mar 22, 2016, 02:54 AM
Mar 2016

I've long said that these peace talks couldn't happen WITHOUT Obama's support, given the U.S. ties to Colombia. But now we know for sure.

Here's what I think about Obama and Sec of State Clinton. I think she fell for and embraced a Bush junta-planned coup in Honduras (which occurred only six months into Obama's first term, when he was beset with world financial meltdown and two wars). He told her 'DON'T support a military coup.' She responded with that fake, U.S. State Dept.-run election in Honduras. (Her emails reveal she was determined NOT to see Mel Zelaya return to his rightful, elected position of President of Honduras.)

This action of hers TOTALLY BLEW Obama's planned good relations with Latin America (following, as it did, 8 years of Bush junta disgusting interventionism and warmongering there). Latin America UNANIMOUSLY condemned the Honduran coup and understood very well how much the U.S. was involved. Obama visited LatAm soon after this and I think they burned his ears. The Honduran coup nearly severed U.S./LatAm relations.

The opening to Cuba (Obama in Cuba today--1st time a U.S. president has visited Cuba in about 90 years) is ONE WAY--a big one--that Obama is trying to repair the damage that Clinton did. U.S. non-recognition of Cuba has LONG been on LatAm's grievance list with the U.S.

Now it's apparent that the Colombia/FARC peace talks are another way that Obama has sought to repair relations. He LET IT go forward. He didn't object or obstruct. I could see that. But I didn't know until now how much he approved (and how much he and Kerry were likely doing behind the scenes). The U.S. bears a huge responsibility for the length and brutality of that civil war. THAT has been a big thorn in LatAm's side as well. It appeared that the Bushwhacks were heavily arming Colombia--and colluding as well, with many U.S. military "forward operating locations" in Colombia--not only to smash the peasants, local community leaders, leftist politicians and others, but ALSO to commit aggression against OTHER LatAm countries (they tried to against Venezuela and Ecuador).

So the end of this civil war is a big deal in LatAm, as is the end of the long U.S. hatred of Cuba.

One can only imagine, though, what Latin Americans are thinking of a possible Clinton or Trump presidency. Either will very likely be the end of the good relations that Obama and Kerry are establishing.

karynnj

(59,475 posts)
2. Obama and Kerry are brave to take this stand, but look who else worked towards this and Cuba
Tue Mar 22, 2016, 11:06 AM
Mar 2016

From Kerry's statement in honor of Pope Francis's 3rd anniversary:


[divclass="excerpt"]
The United States is grateful for His Holiness’ role in renewing our diplomatic ties with Cuba. The Holy Father was instrumental in encouraging talks between our two countries, and the United States will continue to seek his support as we proceed with our renewed bilateral relationship with Cuba. We also greatly appreciate the Holy Father’s support for Colombia and the FARC to successfully negotiate a peace agreement.

I believe that Americans -- Catholics and non-Catholics alike -- share His Holiness’ conviction that we must do all we can to protect the environmental health of our planet, to uphold the common good, to promote religious freedom, to care for refugees and others who are disadvantaged, and to strive for justice and peace. Many around the world are inspired by his dedication to helping the marginalized and disadvantaged. We share His Holiness’ conviction that all people have dignity and worth and that we must strive to help everyone reach his or her full potential.



http://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2016/03/254637.htm

Kerry's own history of being one of the few who took political risks opposing arming the Contras might have made him more likely to have developed better relations with Latin America had he become President. While President Obama will be attacked by some for "negotiating with terrorists", having Pope Francis on his side could well disarm those attacks -- as it did with attacks for engaging Cuba.

I only wish Obama were allowed to run again. I fear that no President will follow up on the work that he is doing here or in the Middle east. Although the Clinton people have spoken of Sanders criticizing Obama, it is noteworthy that on foreign policy, Sanders might be closer to Obama's current positions than his former Secretary of State.

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»US urges Colombia and Far...