The statements were issued by the regional president in the Solemn Session held by the Táchira State Legislative Council, at the Luis Gilberto Mendoza Theater, of the Neighborhood Unit, for International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8.
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«There have been more than 48 homicides, in figures from last February, more than 4 kidnappings, some of which have ended in homicide. Unfortunately, they cannot control this violence from Colombia,” he stressed.
Bernal explained that the internal attacks of the irregular groups in Colombia against the force of the Colombian state, “are almost daily.” Therefore, -said the regional authority- we have to maintain the mechanisms that ensure the preservation of peace, tranquility and good living of the Tachirense people, therefore, prevent violence from spreading to Venezuela.
We —he asserted— are evaluating the profound manifestations of violence in Colombia on a daily basis, “and we detect the call of the Gulf Cartel and the Gaitiana Self-Defense Forces, which, according to the Colombian authorities, are occupying more and more space in Cúcuta, Villa del Rosario and the Catatumbo area, with very violent actions against the Colombian state”.
“These irregular groups have dedicated themselves to sending videos of threats against merchants via WhatsApp, pamphlets and slogans, without achieving any action, but we remain on alert,” added the president.
He assured that the mention of opening the international bridges on the Táchira border for 24 hours is a decision of the Executive. “Surely I will raise my opinion as governor of Táchira, to guarantee peace.”
“A complete opening of the international bridges could negatively impact the tranquility of the border area, because unfortunately Colombia has not been able to control the violence, nor the irregular groups,” said the governor.
