OAS'S INSULZA AND RIO GROUP SUPPORT DEMOBILIZATION

UNCLAS BOGOTA 008290

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC EAID OVIP SNAR CO
SUBJECT: OAS'S INSULZA AND RIO GROUP SUPPORT DEMOBILIZATION



1. (U) Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary
General Jose Miguel Insulza defended the paramilitary
demobilization process during his first visit to Colombia on
August 29-30. Insulza met with President Alvaro Uribe, Vice
President Francisco Santos, the High Commissioner for Peace
Luis Carlos Restrepo, Interior and Justice Minister Sabas
Pretelt de la Vega, and Prosecutor General Mario Iguaran.


2. (U) Insulza acknowledged to Uribe the difficulties the OAS
mission in Colombia faced and reiterated that greater
financial support was indispensable. He expressed optimism
that the OAS would be able to expand its level of
cooperation, saying he expects the OAS Permanent Council to
shortly examine a proposal to increase the mission's budget.
In a press conference, Insulza declared that the peace
process was not a process for white washing narco-traffickers
and in general, was on the "right track" despite criticisms.


3. (U) Insulza expressed his hope for greater hemispheric
cooperation, especially in the wake of the Rio Group Summit
in Argentina last week. The Group's foreign ministers
manifested their support for the GOC's peace process in an
August 26 communique. The message highlighted "the
importance of the reinsertion process and support for the
communities where demobilizations have taken place to ensure
a sustained peace process."
WOOD