|
|
Colombian gangsters, guerillas agree to stop violence |
 |
+ |
- |
14:37, June 27, 2007 |
At least 5,000 former gang members,right-wing militiamen and guerillas pledged to stop committing crimes on Tuesday by signing a peace agreement in the northwesterncity of Medellin.
The people gathered in a stadium at downtown Medellin, which was once the world's most dangerous city, and shook hands to end decades of clashes that have left thousands dead.
"We don't want to fight each other any more. Each one has to contribute (to the ceasefire) so that we can stop killing each other," said Cesar Toro, a former member of the right-wing paramilitaries, the Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC).
Having left left- and right- wing armed groups, many former combatants ended up on the streets fighting rival street gangs.
The signing ceremony was organized and led by Medellin mayor Sergio Fajardo and also attended by Colombia's Defense Minister Juan Manual Santos.
The Colombian government has been trying to help former militiamen to reintegrate into the society.
The AUC has demobilized 31,000 fighters, starting in April 2006,as part of a peace process with the government.
Source: Xinhua
|
|
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article