Colombia’s No after Nobel to Santos is not a rejection of the peace process with the FARC

The population was not commenting on the war. "We all know that there is no other way other than dialogue to put an end to this conflict. The government knows it, FARC knows it, the opposition parties and especially the victims who have repeatedly expressed their forgiveness for the violence. So I think the no was simply and quite a 'not like this', a 'not yet' and 'not without us'. "

 

Dhaka (AsiaNews) - What everyone believed impossible has happened. A referendum last October 2 to sanction, and close off the peace process between the government of Juan Manuel Santos and the FARC, resulted in a "no" vote.  Shortly after this,  the Nobel for peace went to President Santos (pictured, with FARC leader Timoleon Jimenez Timochenko,). But how was it possible? Why did the majority of Colombians reject a treaty that would put an end to a conflict that lasted more than 50 years? Are Colombians violent by nature, thirsty for revenge and irreconcilable? Not at all.

First of al, you need to make clear that "no" does not mean Colombians desire war. We all know that there is no other way other than dialogue to put an end to this conflict. The government knows it, FARC knows it, the opposition parties and especially the victims who have repeatedly expressed their forgiveness for the violence. So I think the no was simply and quite a 'not like this', a 'not yet' and 'not without us'."

Not like this because the conditions, conceptions or concessions  that the agreement would give the guerrillas "seem" exaggerated or disproportionate. Everyone agrees that there should be an amnesty.  Forgiveness and a renunciation of punishment, but we should also reward them? Thus the norms governing the peace tribunals, participation in politics and other issues such as the conditions for related crimes such as drug trafficking, extortion, terrorism, kidnappings, compensation for victims, and more need to be rethought, renegotiated and downsized.

"Not yet" because there are many doubts.  Even the simplest points of the document (the agreement) of almost 300 pages is a mystery to the vast majority of Colombians, but exploited by both the yes and no campaigns depending on their capacity to control positions. What is needed is an awareness raising campaign that educates the public to make at least the crucial points clear to everyone, this requires patience and time.

"Not without us" because the process did not involve all the sectors of society that should have been involved. Farmers, businessmen, soldiers, victims, churches, international community and opposition parties and others were not heard. In the best of cases they were simply passive observers. We all suffered this conflict and therefore also all have to be involved in the agreement.

Many were quick to praise and indicate the agreement as the best possible solution giving full support for the 'yes' campaign These same people were just as quick to judge Colombia a country of violent thirsty revenge, unable to grasp this "golden opportunity for a stable and lasting peace." Instead after October 2 Colombia continues to demonstrate its political maturity. After the victory of the "no" ( "not like this" "not yet" and "not without us") thirst and desire for the Colombian peace is unifying, harmonizing and strengthening. Even the ELN guerrillas have officially expressed their willingness to start peace talks with the government, freeing all their hostages.

The Nobel Peace Prize to President Santos is a very positive sign from the international community and a very timely encouragement in the present moment for the efforts of the Santos government as well as for all of us Colombians who are on the path to achieving a stable and lasting peace.
 

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