He National Government and the Gulf clanthe country’s largest criminal band, they formally started Thursday in Doha (Qatar) The peace dialogues with an agreement that includes an initial stage of “confidence construction” and a pilot plan for replacing illicit crops in five municipalities where this group operates.
In a joint statement, signed in Doha by the Head of the Government Delegation in these dialogues, Álvaro Jiménezand the Representative of the Gulf Clan, Luis Armando Pérezpilot actions were defined within what they called the “process for the demobilization and construction of peace“
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These actions seek “Develop the Confidence Consolidation Stage “and implement a” pedagogy program for the total replacement of illegal use crops, considering voluntary participation, technical assistance and alternative livelihoods“
Doha, Qatar
The plan will be applied in the municipalities of Mutatálocated in the department of Antioquia (Northwest), and of Acandí, Bethlehem of Bajirá, Riosucio and UGUYall in the department of Chocóborder with Panama.
In these areas the Gulf Clan has a strong presence, also known as Colombian Gaitanist Army (EGC) and heir to United Self -Defense Paramilitaries of Colombia (AUC).
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He President Gustavo Petrothat since his arrival in power in August 2022 he promoted his ‘Total Paz’ project, he announced last month that his government opened conversations abroad with this group, after several exploratory approaches that had been frozen.
Other commitments
In the statement signed this Thursday in Doha and released by the Peace Commissioner Ministrythe armed group undertakes to respect the rights of children and adolescents, considered “The first floor for peace construction“
President Gustavo Petro
Also to guarantee compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL) no longer interfere with the development of the elections that Colombia will celebrate in 2026.
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For its part, the Government “Take note“that the Gulf clan”rejects being categorized as a paramilitary or neo-paramilitary group“And he points out that, through the Foreign Ministry, it is convenient to request the United Nations Security Council”Accompany this process“
Finally, both parties ask the Government of Catar, to the Mission of Support of the Peace Process of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Episcopal Conference of Colombia “Perform the monitoring, monitoring and verification of the agreed“
EFE
