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