No photos from march on Prensa Latina website, the self-proclaimed Latin American news agency

[Bacchus39]

perhaps Chavez can donate a camera. errrrr strike that...make that a camera and photoshop software.

[magbana]

1. Colombia Anti-FARC March: World's Oddest Peace Rally - Uribe's Bellicose Rhetoric

Thanks for starting a new thread, albeit on a non-issue, because it gives me an opportunity to share a blog post of mine on the anti-FARC rally. Below, is my intro, followed by two articles - one on what the hostage families think (hated it) and Uribe whipping up war fever against FARC.

Colombia is a bit like Israel -- if they go to the peace table they will lose land, be forced into compromises inconsistent with the goals of a terrorist state AND it will be harder for the US to justify its obscene weapons supply line to both countries. After all, if Colombia and Israel have no "terrorists"" to fight, then the US Congress will be more skeptical.

Of course the weaponry is less about fighting FARC and more about getting the drugs out of Colombia. Little old FACEBOOK? Don't think
so. Also, check out the video I mention in the blog post about the Venezuelan student opposition that I think may offer insight into the anti-FARC march and other things on the horizon. Thanks to the online documentaries about Latin America I found in this discussion group for the video I reference below.

BLOG POST from Haiti-Cuba-Venezuela Analysis http://hcvanalysis.wordpres.com

While the anti-FARC march snaked across the globe, many watching this spectacle were coming to the same conclusion: What effect did this have on current hostage negotiations? And, for a march professing peace, why was the rhetoric so bellicose, especially the rhetoric from Colombian president, Alvaro Uribe? See two articles below.


Finally, as a longtime organizer, I know it takes a lot of money and the backing of very influential people to get as many people out on the streets in as many cities as this march accomplished yesterday. Something doesn't fit. Perhaps, there are answers in a new video out about opposition students in Venezuela, including who is backing them and what their goal is. The video was made after the December 2 referendum in Venezuela and, in addition to addressing these issues, reveals the truth about the student clash that took place at Central University . See the video "Nuevas Caritas, El Mismo Objetivo" or "Different Faces, Same Objective."

Colombia Marches against FARC Criticized

Caracas, Feb 4 (Prensa Latina) Relatives of detainees by Colombian guerrilla and solidarity groups in France criticized today the government-induced marches against the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) who said their pain was being manipulated.

Astrid Betancourt, sister of the former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt said in statements made by phone to Venezolana de Television that the marches are not a solution for the release of detainees or for peace.

She added that it is a manipulation of hatred for FARC but not for peace in Colombia. It is a game to justify war and prevent dialogue.

The release of three former members of Congress announced here comes as a result of the mediation by Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez, whose mediation she considered decisive for a humanitary exchange agreement.

Relatives of detainees Eladio Perez and Gloria Polanco, who arrived today in Caracas, also criticized the marches against FARC. Colombian Senator Piedad Cordoba considered the marches an expression of hatred, racism and exclusion.

Cordoba also arrived in Venezuela as part of the preps for the humanitarian operation which will convey the release of three politicians detained by the FARC.

Meanwhile, in Paris, French solidarity groups rejected today the marches promoted by the Colombian government in several cities throughout the world.

Astrid Betancourt told Prensa Latina that the marches are manipulative and distort the message that detainee relatives want to send out. Ingrid, in the hands of the FARC since 2002, said in the South American country a destructive hatred has been unleashed and the people march not in the name of our detained relatives.

Before the members of the International Federation of Ingrid Betancourt Committees, based in France, Astrid gave a press conference to clear her personal position and that of the groups that in Europe promote the release of those detained.

She said that President Alvaro Uribe looks for support in the international community in order to deny there is an armed struggle in Colombia and that he has the economic, logistic and military support of the United States.

Astrid Betancourt together with the FICIB appealed once more to French head of State, Nicolas Sarkozy, and stressed that any peaceful mediation should go through the Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez.

In Paris, about 200 persons gathered in the Plaza de Chatelet to express their points of view against kidnapping, terrorism and the FARC, in presence of Colombian ambassador to France, Fernando Cepeda.

The march was supposedly summoned by an independent, unknown organization, but the Colombian consulate in the French capital sent out e-mails calling to participate in the rally.

The Polo Democratico Alternativo of Colombia revealed in a release distributed in Paris, that it was threatened for his stand in favor of a humanitary accord and its rejection of war in that South American country.

http://www.plenglish.com/article.asp?ID=%7BE052A3F6-A15E-411F-BF5E-3E5D4850E86A%7D&language=EN

ABN: Uribe Declares All-Out War

World's oddest peace rally...
Uribe says he will leave no land for insurgents"For my love to Colombia ,"
the Colombian President Álvaro Uribe
said. Later, he stated that they must act "in a solid way in order to
defeat criminals." This way, he emphasized his persistent vision of a
military solution to the 60 year-armed conflict that affects his
country."Colombia , we totally love you," Uribe said in a short broadcasting.
This way, he broke the strategy that he had followed in order to make
the announcement of this mobilization, in which the Colombian
government was not expected to appear like the promoter.President
Uribe issued these statements in Valledupar, capital of
Cesar department, Colombia, considered as the cradle of vallenato
music and also famous because of housing one of the high security
prisons in Colombia, where, one of the biggest serial killers in
history, Luis Alfredo Garavito; is imprisoned. He is the confessed
author of the death of 174 children in different regions of Colombia.
Uribe, visibly satisfied, thanked the participants of mobilizations
and promised to maintain "firm up to the day criminals understand
that Colombia territory will never receive them." He issued this
statement referring to the guerrilla groups but he did not include the
paramilitary groups who were politically acknowledged by Uribe´s
government.The statements of the Colombian President widely contrast with the
ones issued by hostage´s relatives and many humanitarian movements
and peace promoters, who demand Uribe to desist of a military rescue
as an option to free the hostages in the hands of the FARC.It is important to recall that Uribe´s military plans include the
enclosing of the insurgent camps where 44 hostages, including the
former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, remain.
Hostage´s relatives gathered in the Colombian church Voto Nacional
instead of attending the protest, while the left-wing political
party, Polo Democrático Alternativo (PDA), (Alternative Democratic
Pole), met in Bolivar Place under the slogan "For the humanitarian
agreement: no war, no kidnapping." They attended the protest together
with labor union groups since they wanted to make the difference
before Uribe´s call, which was supported by paramilitary leaders."Astrid Betancourt, Ingrid´s sister, former presidential candidate of
Colombia kidnapped by the FARC in Colombia, accused today President
Uribe of manipulating the march called for today in different parts
of the world and present them as if they were against the FARC, the
DPA informed.Astrid Betancourt accused Uribe of "poking the rage and anger of the
Colombian people, without proposing any solution" and intending to
justify the use of force and armed intervention and not dialogue.She also denounced that "in France (the march) was called by the
Embassy of Colombia." "This happened in the rest of the world as
well."

"The government has hired journalists in Paris , Tokyo and Dubai , in
order to promote these marches. He wants to enhance and manipulate
the pain, rage and indignation of relatives."

Ingrid´s sister pointed out that those who march today in different
parts of the world "do not protest in the name of hostages or
relatives." "The government has called people with the slogan of a
patriotic act. Thus, for the government, those who do not attend the
call are not patriot. They are against the government and in favor of
the FARC. This is not true since we reject the FARC´s actions and
mobilize for peace in Colombia and the freedom of hostages," she
added.

Another relative, Carolina Pérez, daughter of Senator Luis Eladio
Pérez Bonilla, kidnapped in 2001, also criticized the marches
promoted by her country.

Before traveling to Venezuela , where she will participate in the
release operation of her father, she also informed to radio
Continental that "the message of these marches is not constructive."

"We all reject the use of force and terror as a fight mechanism, but
we want to protest constructively, open dialogue spaces not against
the FARC. The message is for us to march against war, kidnapping and
any kind of violence against the human being, she said.

Bolivarian News Agency / February 04, 2008

[Bacchus39]

2. thanks, I see you cited the Cuban government information (propaganda) agency anyway

subjects concerning Latin America belong in the Latin America section for sure. As interesting that the biggest march in Colombian history is not accompanied with photos, it is also notable that when Prensa Latina is cited here at DU, it is not accompanied by a disclaimer that it is a Cuban government agency.

Back to the FARC and the march.

Why would Colombia lose land if they go to the peace table? Ceding land to the FARC is not on the table.

Families of hostages were concerned that the march could result in reprisals BY THE FARC, so many declined to particpate. Out of fear, the Colombian population though was not detoured as spectacularly shown during the massive marches on Monday. While the families of the hostages overriding concern is understandably the safety of their loved ones, the Colombian people overwhelmingly rejected the FARC and fear.

here is a pertinent quote for you: "I hope the FARC is listening," said former hostage Clara Rojas, who took part in the march. She was freed last month after nearly six years in captivity.

here is an email I received on January 11 regarding the march. If you can't read Spanish, well tough.

TODA COLOMBIA SE CANSÓ DE TANTA MAMADERA DE GALLO, DE TANTAS MENTIRAS Y DE TANTA MALDAD.


· Toda Colombia se cansó de que en los países del mundo que no saben nada de nuestro país existan JÓVENES INGENUOS que creen en la estúpida mentira , de que las FARC representa la lucha del pueblo colombiano.

· Toda Colombia se cansó de ver como un puñado de ASESINOS Y CRIMINALES juegan miserablemente con el dolor de los familiares de los secuestrados para exigir privilegios que no se merecen.

· Toda Colombia se cansó de estar arrodillada ante el terror, ante el miedo a perder la vida, la libertad y la dignidad por cuenta de estos GENOCIDAS.

POR ESO EL DIA LUNES 4 DE FEBRERO COLOMBIA ENTERA SERÁ UNA SOLA Y PACIFICA VOZ QUE MARCHARÁ PARA DECIRLE AL MUNDO DESDE LAS ENTRAÑAS DE SU ALMA Y DE SU CONCIENCIA, QUE NO QUEREMOS A LAS FARC, QUE RECHAZAMOS TAJANTEMENTE LA EXISTENCIA DE ESA GUERRILLA, Y QUE YA ES HORA DE LIBERAR A LOS SECUESTRADOS UNILATERALMENTE.

Con este grito inmenso lograremos decirle al mundo de forma contundente que las FARC son una plaga inhumana y cruel, y lograremos que algunos guerrillero que aun tengan cerebro y corazón se den cuenta del mal que están haciendo y se desmovilicen masivamente.


Todos difundan este mensaje por toda Colombia, hagan llegar este mensaje a todos sus contactos, y reguémonos como pólvora, porque seremos todos protagonistas de un momento unico en Colombia, el momento en que les diremos al mundo entero, ¡NO MAS FARC¡ ¡NO QUEREMOS MAS FARC¡ DEJENOS EN PAZ¡


and yes the Venezuelan people's rejection of Chavez's dictatorial ambitions was wonderful as well. Although Chavez can certainly take comfort he is not despised in Venezuela nearly as much as the FARC in Colombia.

[magbana]

3. March - wrong theme and targeted at wrong audience

Ay, dios mio, Bacchus39!

I love the commie press especially the Cuban state news agency, Prensa Latina, and its newspaper, Granma. The commies are good at keeping their eyes on the prize – it’s all about rich versus poor and whether capitalism or socialism will solve it.

Okay, the land issue. Land is always on the table when it is rich versus poor. Make no mistake; FARC will make land-related demands if they proceed down a path of peace negotiations. With land comes control over resources – without land, the poor get nowhere.

Of course the families of the hostages were concerned about what FARC might do to there loved-ones. That is why it was a stupid time to have a “Kick FARC in the ass” march just after a group of hostages had been released and with another hostage release on the horizon. But, this is where the Colombia-FARC situation is like the Israeli-Palestinian issue. The moment there is the slightest positive breakthrough, the aggressor (Colombia and Israel) launches a negative, aggressive move. The classic pattern is one step forward and three steps back

As for the statement in Spanish, I think those who drafted it and the overwhelming majority of people who marched on Feb. 4 are sincere in their belief that FARC is an organization of genocidal maniacs and that the liberation of all hostages must happen immediately. But, how does Uribe’s warring rhetoric bring a denouement to hostilities and release of the hostages? It doesn’t and, for reasons I mentioned yesterday, it was never meant to do so.

Marchers amassed in the streets around the world, chanted and waved anti-FARC signs, but never grasped that what stands between them and the kind of Colombia they want are the Colombian and US governments.

If the march organizers had planned this event with the true interests of the people of Colombia in mind, the theme of the march would have been “get the negotiations going” and it would have been directed at Uribe and the US. If you truly want peace in Colombia, the hostages released and the end of the FARC, don’t consider the Colombian and US governments as your allies in this effort. The imperialists suckered the marchers and I take no pleasure in saying that.

As for Chavez, the imperialists tried to destroy the hostage release with a planned ambush of FARC troops causing the final release to be postponed. The anti-FARC march will be used to suggest that Chavez is all alone in his viewpoint of the FARC. Chavez was making progress and that is why they had to neutralize him. Say what you want about Chavez, but without him and Piedad Cordoba, the first group of hostages would not be at home with their families.

[Bacchus39]

4. the theme was "we don't want the FARC"

that was abundantly clear. Chavez was responsible for instigating it by calling the FARC an army of the pueblo. As Monday's events revealed in no uncertain terms, the pueblo rejected that designation. I think Colombians are capable of determing what is in their own best interest. It would seem their interests and actions are contrary to your personal position, and others here, on the matter.

If you read the news accounts on El Tiempo for example, you will see that the Polo Democratico party was divided on the march. and some party members even participated in the march. while the march was massive in its expression of opposition to the FARC, the Prensa Latina article not only failed to accurately depict the extent of the protest, but focused on the fact that the Polos weakly ATTEMPTED to change the theme of the march to an anti-violence in general march. no mention of the divided nature of the Polos was given. again, you would get a more accurate discription of the events in Colombia from Colombian sources rather than the Cuban government. what a surprise!! and lets also remember this was a nationwide protest, not just Bogota. all news agencies from all major cities in Colombia have accounts and photos of the events.

there is no occupation of Colombian lands by a foreign power. an Israili-Palestinian analogy is inaccurate.

without the FARC there would be no hostages.

[magbana]

5. Signing off after this post - catch you on another topic

Again, if you want to get rid of the FARC, encourage the Colombian government to begin honest negotiations with them. If you want the FARC to stay, continue with anti-FARC marches planned by the National Endowment for Democracy and similar “democracy promotion” organizations in other countries.

The analogy about Colombian gov’t/ FARC relationship and the Israeli-Palestinian relationship is apropos. The point is that honest negotiation is the only thing that can help resolve both situations but neither Colombia nor Israel will come to the table because it is not to their selfish advantage – land (yes, this is an issue in Colombia) and military equipment funding from the US.

And, for all intents and purposes, with all its military advisors and CIA drug smugglers over the years, Colombia is indeed occupied by a foreign govt’t. – the US.

[Bacchus39]

6. sure, enough said. the march spoke volumes even if there are those who won't listen

again, the lack of respect for people of latin america to act independently without accusations of US orquestration is baffling.

and lets not forget that peace negotiations and ceding the FARC territory within Colombia has been tried and failed miserably under the Pastrana administration. here is relatively brief article from the BBC but this may sum it up:

" Initially much applauded for his groundbreaking peace initiative, President Pastrana is now considered a weak leader by many Colombians - one who gave the FARC everything they wanted in exchange for a peace process that came to nothing. "

.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/1759419.stm

[Judi Lynn]

7. Found an article which touched on points which had been raised earlier in other places:

~snip~
Initially the anti-FARC demonstration was promoted on the internet networking site Facebook. Toby Muse writing for AP commented, "For weeks, invites to the march flew through cyberspace, mainly among the typically young - and relatively wealthy - who crowd Facebook in a country where only about one in four can afford to use the Internet regularly."

While the demonstration was portrayed as simply a "spontaneous" and "independent" initiative of ordinary citizens, it was heavily funded and promoted by big business and the Colombian state. All major radio, television and newspaper outlets in Colombia provided free advertising in the days leading up to the march, the Colombian stock exchange closed down, employers pressured workers to attend, and the Colombian government closed down schools and public services for the day. Colombian embassies also organized the demonstrations overseas and the Colombian government paid journalists in Paris, Tokyo, and Dubai to promote the rallies.

The key slogans of the march were, "No more kidnappings, no more FARC!" However, many Colombians criticized the narrow focus of the march for being one-sided and not taking up the question of the violence and kidnappings carried out by rightwing paramilitary death squads.

In addition to the 45 high profile hostages, the Colombian government alleges that the FARC also hold a further 700 hostages for extortion. However, there are more than 3,000 hostages held in Colombia, the majority by paramilitary groups. Critics have also pointed out that the march was organized and dominated by Colombia's wealthy middleclass. Maria Jimena Duzan, a columnist for the Colombian daily El Tiempo wrote, "I doubt that the victims of the paramilitaries have their own select club on Facebook," - the victims of the paramilitaries tend to be concentrated in Colombia's impoverished countryside.

The center-left political party, Polo Democrático Alternativo (PDA), (Alternative Democratic Pole), along with a number of trade unions held a separate rally in Bogotá on the same day under the slogan "For the humanitarian agreement: no war, no kidnapping."

Relatives of the hostages also criticized the march for "promoting hate" and polarizing the country and said it does not represent them. Instead, they gathered in the Colombian church Voto Nacional to pray for the release of the hostages. Astrid Betancourt, sister of Ingrid Betancourt, former presidential candidate of Colombia held by the FARC since 2001, accused Uribe of "manipulating the pain of the families."

More:
http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/print/3125