Peace deal with FARC would mean end to Colombia’s obligatory military service: Santos

Peace deal with FARC would mean end to Colombia’s obligatory military service: Santos
Jun 4, 2014 posted by Nicolas Bedoya

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos announced Wednesday that he would end Colombia’s mandatory military service in the event that a peace deal emerges from peace talks with the country’s largest rebel group, the FARC.

As part of his ongoing reelection campaign, Santos had previously promised that the peace talks, which began in November 2012, will come to a conclusion within the calendar year.

“If Colombia achieves peace, which we will this year, I will immediately eliminate the mandatory military service,” said Santos, in an interview with Colombia’s Blu Radio.

Currently, two years of military service are obligatory for all Colombian males, with exceptions granted for disabilities, indigenous ancestry, or previous injury suffered as part of Colombia’s longstanding armed conflict. Further exemption can be purchased for between $100 to $500, depending on socioeconomic status, a fee many families cannot afford to pay.

More:
http://colombiareports.co/peace-deal-farc-will-end-colombias-obligatory-military-service-santos/