Reuters. 10 January 2002. Colombian Army Closes In, Rebels Say Want Talks.
LOS POZOS -- Colombian tanks and troops closed in on a huge FARC guerrilla enclave on Thursday, despite the rebels' insistence that they were still ready to engage in peace talks. As heavily armed government units deployed in jungle and savanna near the FARC's demilitarized zone, senior commanders awaited attack orders from President Andres Pastrana, who declared peace talks dead on Wednesday night. But guerrilla spokesman Raul Reyes said the FARC was puzzled by Pastrana's talk of a 48-hour deadline for them to evacuate the southern Colombian safe haven, which they have occupied since peace talks began in late 1998. "It's the government which should return to the negotiating table, not the FARC, because we never left it," Reyes told reporters, reading a communique in the dusty town of Los Pozos inside the enclave, where the negotiations have been held. In a sign the government was still seeking a deal, officials said on Thursday it was not clear when the 48-hour countdown would begin. The FARC was also confused by the ultimatum's timing, Reyes said, adding they were ready to meet foreign mediators. The FARC have already sent many of their fighters out of the enclave's main town, San Vicente, and into nearby jungle. Eliana Gonzales, a 45-year-old member of a FARC force left behind, said she was ready to fight. "Everyone is afraid, but we are staying put. We have been here forever," she said, gripping her AK-47 assault rifle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Barry Stoller http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ProletarianNews
