URIBE ASKS VATICAN TO BROKER PRISONER EXCHANGE

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BOGOTA 011207

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/29/2014
TAGS: PGOV PTER ASEC CO
SUBJECT: URIBE ASKS VATICAN TO BROKER PRISONER EXCHANGE


Classified By: Ambassador William B. Wood for reasons 1.4 (b)
and (d).

GOC Proposes Limited Humanitarian Exchange with FARC
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1. (SBU) On October 28, GOC High Commissioner for Peace Luis
Carlos Restrepo wrote an open letter to Papal Nuncio
Beniamino Stella proposing that the Catholic Church mediate
an exchange of 15 prisoners from both the GOC and the
Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Face-to-face
negotiations between representatives of the GOC and FARC over
a broader exchange would follow. Restrepo's letter sent
under Uribe's instructions is the latest iteration of GOC
efforts to reach an exchange agreement with the FARC.
Although both sides have expressed interest in an exchange,
neither has been willing to cede on key preconditions for
talks, such as the GOC's insistence that released FARC
fighters not return to terrorist ranks, or the FARC's
requirement that the GOC temporarily withdraw security forces
from two southeastern municipalities.


2. (C) Father Dario Echeverri (strictly protect),chairman of
the Roman Catholic Church's National Conciliation Commission,
told Embassy poloffs that the exchange proposal was generated
in an October 27 meeting between three Church officials --
he, Archbishop of Medellin Luis Augusto Castro, and Cardinal
Pedro Rubiano -- and Restrepo. Echeverri said the Papal
Nuncio, who is out of the country, responded favorably to the
proposal in an October 28 conversation, but would need
authorization from the Vatican to take on such a formal role.
Echeverri also noted that before the FARC would be likely to
consider the proposal, the GOC would have to formally deliver
it to FARC leaders. This would most likely be done through
the Church or the Swiss Embassy, neither of which, to
Echeverri's knowledge, has been asked to do so. Swiss
Embassy officials welcomed the Church's possible role as a
mediator, and hinted that, should the talks materialize, they
would likely take place in their embassy or the Holy See's.


GOC Prisoner Exchange Proposal
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3. (U) Begin informal translation:

Bogota, October 28, 2004

Monsignor Beniamino Stella
Apostolic Nuncio of His Holiness

Your Excellency:

The Colombian government appreciates the Catholic Church's
efforts in the search for a Humanitarian Accord that would
allow us to free FARC hostages and permit their speedy return
home.

Mr. Nuncio, before you the government ratifies its will to
advance a humanitarian accord according to the terms
expressed to the Swiss government on July 23, 2004, made
public on August 18:

"The Government will unilaterally free, in accordance with
Colombian laws, fifty guerrillas charged or found guilty of
rebellion and offer them the opportunity to be reincorporated
into society. They will be offered two options: leave
Colombia or remain in Colombia and participate in the
National Government's reinsertion program. These options
will be extended under the auspices of the French government
and Colombian Church.

Subsequently, the guerrillas will free the political hostages
and the members of the Public Forces currently being held.
The release will be coordinated with the support of the
Swiss, the French and the International Red Cross.

To advance the creation of this agreement of intent, the
national government proposes the following procedure:

-- Reiterating the government's offer to free 15 guerrillas
jailed for rebellion.

-- The guerrillas will subsequently release, as proof of good
will, a similar number of hostages.

-- Immediately following the release, the government will
meet with the FARC in an embassy in Bogota. The Apostolic
Nunciature of Colombia could be used for negotiations.

-- The meeting will not exceed a period of five days and will
only attempt to reach a prisoner exchange agreement.

-- The International Red Cross may transport the FARC members
to and from Bogota with the support of the Colombian Church.

-- Military actions will not be suspended in any part of the
national territory.

Excellency: If the proposal is accepted, we hope we can
depend on your valiant cooperation to move this new effort
forward and relieve the suffering of those kidnapped and
their families."

End text.


4. (C) Comment: The GOC's repeated attempts over the past
several months to reach an exchange agreement with the FARC
are a reflection of increased public interest, pressure from
the families of hostages, a public campaign for an exchange
by former President Samper, and the government's sincere
desire to get prisoners released if it can do so without
damaging its anti-terror efforts. At the same time, it would
be surprising if the FARC took any step that would bolster
the Uribe Administration. End comment.
WOOD