Colombia Rebels Acknowledge Harm Done To Civilians

“We’re aware that the results of our actions have not always been what the FARC-EP had expected or planned, and we assume the consequences, as it could not be otherwise. We in the FARC-EP will assume our responsibility,” the guerrillas’ delegation to peace talks said in a statement on Thursday.

The rebel organization added that the civilian population has never been the “primary or secondary target” of its actions and stressed that fighters who have not complied with the FARC’s rules and caused “intentional harm” to civilians have been duly punished.

The statement was released within the framework of the question of victims’ rights, one of the items on the peace talks’ six-point agenda.

The Colombian government and the FARC began discussing victims’ rights in August after reaching preliminary agreements on the issues of land reform, political participation by the guerrillas, and efforts to combat illegal drugs.

The peace process was launched nearly two years ago in Havana.