Interview with Farc Commander Raul Reyes

The journalist Rodrigo Rangel, the Brazilian Time magazine interviewed the Commander Raul Reyes, integante Secretariat of the General Staff and Chief of the International Commission of the FARC-EP

1) Which had to be wrong in the operation for releasing Emmanuel, and Clara Rojas Consuelo Gonzalez?

In the midst of a conflict like the one presented in Colombia, any kind of transaction, including those of a strictly humanitarian character, not always successfully concluded.Our unilateral gesture was sabotaged by the government of Uribe narcoparamilitary first abducting the child Emmanuel and second, to deploy a huge military operation in which high technology was being used for air, water and land to prevent the surrender of persons.And as we well know that the war can not be acting irresponsibly or precipitous, we prefer to leave the delivery for another chance. Another thing, we are not time puts us to run.Instead, we walk slowly, safe and serene for our revolutionary objectives.We know that nobody is waiting in a restaurant for dinner.

2) What prevents the release of the remaining hostages?

The unfortunate and absurd seem to have Bush and his hunting dog in Colombia, called Uribe Velez, that the Colombian people will put their knees at the point of violence, State Terrorism, massacres, chainsaw, desapariiones and displacement, among other things.I remember what he said Jorge Eliecer Gaitan 60 years ago days before he was assassinated by the CIA."The oligarchy is hincada before Imperialism and has shrapnel placed against the people"
3) As Ingrid Betancourt? She is healthy?As has lived?
Who speaks? She and the other fellow with stoicism bear the difficulties of rainforest.His day to day setting tough conditions characterized by confrontation. She and all other prisoners want the swap is done as soon as possible.That is the theme of every day, but someday will be the last, and this will be the Exchange!

4) What are the real chances of release of Ingrid Betancourt?
His release, his companions and all guerrilla and all guerrilla prisoners inside and outside the country, has the support of both the majority of the Colombian people as much of the international community and many personalities. We are ready for many years the Exchange. The exchange is possible. The Government will have no other choice. You have to accept it. The fact follow preventing lacks political realism.

5) How have lived hostages?
As are the days of people held by the guerrillas? As I indicated, it all depends on who has the military situation in the area where they are. And since the decision of the masters of the State Terrorism in Colombia (Bush and the president narcoparamilitary) is the military rescue operation, this rather complicated the situation of prisoners.

6) do you think the version Uribe that Emmanuel would no longer be more held by the FARC, but it might be an orphanage in Bogota? It so happens that he learned well the lesson given by his master terrorist expert kidnap people move clandestinely, with the support of governments cowardly to prisones where are maintained in the worst condition.
Let us now learned to kidnap, intimidate, stalk, harass, move and so many other things that made infamous both inside and outside the country. Pisoteando the right to Confidentiality required by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, kidnapped Emmanuel with the aim of sabotaging the spurious management major mediator of President Chavez, Senator Piedad Cordoba and the countries that are supporting the completion of the Exchange and not merely surrender unilaterally. We did just the opposite, what we drew from the scene of war because it is inhuman that a child has to endure the rigours of confrontation.

7) What is the best way of the Brazilian government to support the release of these hostages? Certainly the presence of Professor Marco Aurelio Garcia Lula said that the Government fully understands that there is an armed conflict, which is not a FARC camp of terrorists firing like mad for all parties and clearly understand that the solution to the conflict is through a process of dialogue between the two opposing sides.
As we have always stated that the fate of Colombia can not be civil war, that is why we want the exchange to be converted into a kind of door that leads towards Reconciliation and Reconstruction of Colombia. Enough of fratricidal war, among other things that it is absolutely desnecesaria! Latin America and the Caribbean want to move towards Colombia Peace with Social Justice in different ways to war. And this is perfectly possible.Except that all efforts we have made have been drowned in blood by the oligarchy that has no desire for peace.

8) The transaction would result in the release of Emmanuel, and Clara Rojas Consuelo Gonzalez drew the attention of the world and their failure has frustrated those who want a solution to the Colombian conflict, as well as the situation has exposed President Hugo Chavez. You think has been lacking discretion? I repeat, Mr Rodrigo journalist at the time we did not put us to run. Any operation proves successful or not, we look in depth.If it was not successful and according to their importance and to make new plans ahead! You see the attitude of the Government before the narco-paramiliar gesture by the FARC is to remove the child from the scene of war in order to avoid trauma. What did Uribe? Secuestrarlo violating the principle of Confidentiality. I would remind you that the narco-paramilitary, as estimated by Uribe, recently killed a child 8 years for cutting off the penis that desangrara to death.Of this kind are military victories Uribe and Bush. The chainsaw has been his weapon preferida.Tanto the heinous act Uribe as its narco-paramilitary reflect the despair of Northern master and the Colombian oligarchy unable to silence and defeat the FARC.
9) What is the project of the FARC now?
Construct a sovereign, independent, integrated into the Patria Grande, Social Justice and Peace in which the democratic participation of the people is the main mechanism of this process that we have been driving toward Socialism.It is not a question here of a beautiful phrase. This is what we want and for which we strive.

10) What is necessary to stop the war in Colombia?

That the arms of the Republic are not fired the People. That is not made more of the violence how to govern. TTo halt the demonic influence of the Empire of the United States of America. Doctors are not murdered the political opposition in Colombia.

11) What is the secret of the FARC to sustain a long war against the Colombian official forces, which have the logistical and military support of the greatest power on the planet of war: the United States?

Our fight is more valid than ever and has an essential player called Pueblo. Our fight is more valid than ever and People has called a key actor. This is why we say that we are Pueblo in arms! This is why we say that we are people in arms! No more people in Latin America who tampered with the Colombian people. No more people in Latin America who tampered with the Colombian people. What happens is that this atrocity has been invisibilizada and many believe that in Colombia there is the oldest democracy in the continent. What happens is that this atrocity has been invisibilizada and many believe that in Colombia there is the oldest democracy in the continent. In essence what exists is a frontación with classmates. In essence what exists is a frontación with classmates.

12) In his message the end of the year, Manuel Marulanda called on the guerrillas to make a "general offensive" in 2008. 12) In his message the end of the year, Manuel Marulanda called on the guerrillas to make a "general offensive" in 2008. What this may mean in a practical way? What this may mean in a practical way? The war may become more bloody this year? The crisis affecting the regime, government and institutions without discarding the military institutions, suggest that those who have so far ruled no longer govern because they have devoted to pursuing the people and their gobernandos (persecuted) do not want to remain treated as hitherto. The war may become more bloody this year? The crisis affecting the regime, government and institutions without discarding the military institutions, suggest that those who have so far ruled no longer govern because they have devoted to pursuing the people and their gobernandos (persecuted) not wish to continue being treated as hitherto. That is why we see the revival of the popular movement, beyond the military plans that have immense resources, high-tech, consulting and direct participation of the American Empire. That is why we see the revival of the popular movement, beyond the military plans that have immense resources, high-tech, consulting and direct participation of the American Empire. The conditions for the political struggle are maturing. The conditions for the political struggle are maturing. We have always said that the changes that requires Colombia can happen without arms deal with weapons. We have always said that the changes that requires Colombia can happen without arms deal with weapons. That is possible. That is possible.

13) The Colombian government insists on linking the FARC to drug trafficking. 13) The Colombian government insists on linking the FARC to drug trafficking. This is the main business of guerrillas today? The war is not won with campaigns on radio and television against the Insurgency. This is the main business of warfare today? The war is not won with campaigns on radio and television against the Insurgency. Now we are called terrorists. Now we are called terrorists. You know. You know. And every so often change as a pretext. And every so often change as a pretext. The narcoparamilitarismo, taking as its most visible representative Uribe Velez, it got into the three branches and other entities of the State. The narcoparamilitarismo, taking as its most visible representative Uribe Velez, it got into the three branches and other entities of the State. There is. There is. To stem the drug trade have made concrete proposals. To stem the drug trade have made concrete proposals. We have never received a reply and less now with the situation that is being presented in the USA, whose crisis could escalate and where is the 90% of income from drug trafficking. We have never received a reply and less now with the situation that is being presented in the USA, whose crisis could escalate and where is the 90% of income from drug trafficking.

14) How are relations of the FARC with the PT (Workers Party) and the government Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva today? 14) How are relations of the FARC with the PT (Workers Party) and the government Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva today? If the ideals and history of Marxist guerrillas and the approach of the party, then it is only fair that the PT avoid talking openly of this relationship? If the ideals and history of Marxist guerrillas and the approach of the party, then it is only fair that the PT avoid talking openly of this relationship? Why not take this relationship? In friendly countries relations with us are being managed in the conditions prevailing in them. Why not take this relationship? Friendly countries relations with us are being managed in the conditions prevailing in them. And we are respectful of that. And we are respectful of that. This is what I can say. This is what I can say.

15) The FARC have now consider international support for their cause? From Marquetalia, where the FARC were born in 1964, we have that support. 15) The FARC have now consider international support for their cause? From Marquetalia, where the FARC were born in 1964, we have that support. I recall that on that occasion a number of French intellectuals went to the Colombian Government then ask you not to use military force against the farmers in this agricultural region. I recall that on that occasion a number of French intellectuals went to the Colombian Government then ask you not to use military force against the farmers in this agricultural region. Those intelecturales led by Jean Paul Sartre, proclaimed as the solution to a political problem is also political. Those intelecturales led by Jean Paul Sartre, proclaimed as the solution to a political problem is also political.

16) you think Brazil can be a good mediator in an eventual resumption of negotiations between the FARC and the Colombian government? Both Brazil and other countries, especially our neighbours can help with their good offices to hardening off the possibility of further talks that will lead to real peace accords. 16) you think Brazil can be a good mediator in an eventual resumption of negotiations between the FARC and the Colombian government? Both Brazil and other countries, especially our neighbours can help with their good offices to hardening off the possibility of further talks that will lead to real peace Agreements. The exchange would be a first step From our side we are ready. The exchange would be a first step From our side we are ready. Only Uribe is not interested in peace but in war against the people. Only Uribe is not interested in peace but in war against the people. He has become the Cain of the Colombian people. He has become the Cain of the Colombian people.

17) The President Lula offered the Brazilian territory as a neutral zone for eventual negotiation and exchange of hostages for prisoners? 17) The President Lula offered the Brazilian territory as a neutral zone for eventual negotiation and exchange of hostages for prisoners? To think the FARC this possibility? To think the FARC this possibility? Why? Any proposal to help us keep the fight ignited by the Exchange and by the political solution of the conflict, it will be welcome. Why? Any proposal that will help us keep the fight turned on by the Exchange and by the political solution of the conflict, it will be welcome.

18) Who FARC insist on the demilitarization of Florida and Pradera as a condition of bringing about a change of hostages by guerrilla prisoners? For safety of the negotiators, prisoners of the two parties, journalists, personalities and especially because she does not believe Uribe nor the greeting. 18) Who FARC insist on the demilitarization of Florida and Pradera as a condition of bringing about a change of hostages by guerrilla prisoners? For safety of the negotiators, prisoners of the two parties, journalists, personalities and especially because she does not believe Uribe nor the greeting.

19) Faced with the situation of persistent negative Uribe government to cede to the demand for the demilitarization of the area of Florida and Pradera, then there would be two sides at an impasse? Anyone who is at an impasse is Uribe. 19) Faced with the situation of persistent negative Uribe government to cede to the demand for the demilitarization of the area of Florida and Pradera, then there would be two sides at an impasse? Is Uribe is at an impasse. Complete the second term and will stay with the facts as we crespos be defeated. Complete the second term and will stay with the facts as we crespos be defeated.

20) If one day be possible to change, FARC guerrillas have no prisoners and no more hostages held by the guerrillas. 20) If one day be possible to change, FARC guerrillas have no prisoners and no more hostages held by the guerrillas. What then is the future of the FARC? We are a revolutionary movement and governed by a Estastuto Standards Command, we Command Center, we are present in all departments of the country, our troops remain armed and uniformed, study, work and go to combat our relationship with the people is based on the unreserved respect, appreciation, good manners and the revolutionary example. What then is the future of the FARC? We are a revolutionary movement and governed by a Estastuto Standards Command, we Command Center, we are present in all departments of the country, our troops remain armed and uniformed, study, work and go to combat, our relationship with the people is based on unconditional respect, appreciation, good manners and the revolutionary example. In Colombia there is already an alternative power. In Colombia there is already an alternative power. We are part of this new political reality. We are part of this new political reality. Since "The best way to achieve freedom is to fight for it as Bolivar teaches us, because we are there with our suffering people, building step by step the groundwork for Peace with Social Justice, prerequisite for the people to move towards the Socialism. Since "The best way to achieve freedom is to fight for it as Bolivar teaches us, because we are there with our suffering people, building step by step the groundwork for Peace with Social Justice, prerequisite for the people to move towards the Socialism.

21) President Hugo Chavez today is the greatest ally of the FARC in the American South? 21) President Hugo Chavez today is the greatest ally of the FARC in the American South?

Our main ally is our people. Our main ally is our people. Especially farmers, men and women whose steadfastness and determination are worthy of the greatest respect. Especially farmers, men and women whose steadfastness and determination are worthy of the greatest respect. Undoubtedly, President Chavez is a great leader. Undoubtedly, President Chavez is a great leader. And we want to keep progressing. And we want to keep progressing. It complies with what was said by Jose Marti: "It is not that men do peoples. It complies with what was said by Jose Marti: "It is not that men do peoples. Is the people who at the time of genesis was tornarn vibrant and successful in a man" They are the people who in their time of genesis was tornarn vibrant and successful in a man "

22) Alvaro Uribe is still the preferred target of the FARC? We are fighting for change of the political regime, real democracy, for the changes that need to Colombia to become Homeland Bolivarian their children deserve. 22) Alvaro Uribe is still the preferred target of the FARC? We are fighting for change of the political regime, real democracy, for the changes that need to Colombia to become Homeland Bolivarian their children deserve. Fighting for the establishment of an economic system to distribute wealth and take care of the environment for the people to enjoy the greatest degree of happiness possible. Fighting for the establishment of an economic system to distribute wealth and take care of the environment for the people to enjoy the greatest degree of happiness possible. Social inequalities are an affront to human dignity. Social inequalities are an affront to human dignity. Therefore fighting for a just society with equal conditions for all. Therefore fighting for a just society with equal conditions for all.

23) to maintain the policy of kidnapping? 23) to maintain the policy of kidnapping? This is not just by raising a antipathy to the guerrillas in international public opinion on behalf of the humanitarian issue? Look, when in the midst of the heat of a battle or a Guerilla Guerrilla yells at an officer, a sub-officer or soldier that guarantees life if delivered, and that happens, there is no reason for that fact military is called sequestration. This is not just by raising a antipathy to the guerrillas in international public opinion on behalf of the humanitarian issue? Look, when in the midst of the heat of a battle or a Guerilla Guerrilla yells at an officer, a sub-officer or soldier who assures him life if delivered, and that happens, there is no reason for such an act of a military nature is called sequestration. Similarly, when the confrontation reaches all strata of society and all three branches of the establishment characterized by their levels of endless violence and corruption appalling, that generates prisoners of side-by-side. Similarly, when the confrontation reaches all strata of society and all three branches of the establishment characterized by their levels of endless violence and corruption are appalling, that generates prisoners of side-by-side. That is why we are proposing the realaización from the exchange of prisoners. That is why we are proposing the realaización from the exchange of prisoners.

24) There is a growing fear of the military authorities in Brazil in the presence of guerrillas in the Brazilian side of the border. 24) There is a growing fear of the military authorities in Brazil in the presence of guerrillas in the Brazilian side of the border. The FARC have the pretension to expand their activities to the borders of the Colombia? The FARC have the pretension to expand their activities to the borders of the Colombia? Do you seem to allegations that the territory of Venezuela would serve as a haven for the FARC? To stop the fear and sleep peacefully because what we have is an internal conflict that we want to be solved by political means. Do you seem to allegations that the territory of Venezuela would serve as a haven for the FARC? To stop the fear and sleep peacefully because what we have is an internal conflict that we want to be solved by political means. In connection with our neighbours our policy is that the border is a place of meeting and coexistence of citizens twinned by a common history, who have the same problems, the same hopes and same fate. In connection with our neighbours our policy is that the border is a place of meeting and coexistence of citizens twinned by a common history, who have the same problems, the same hopes and same fate.

25) The proximity between the current government of Colombia and Washington is a sign of irrigation for the sovereignty of Latin countries. 25) The proximity between the current government of Colombia and Washington is a sign of irrigation for the sovereignty of Latin countries. To what extent is a risk? Fortunately, Washington can no longer impose its domination in Latin America, as it did until a few years ago. To what extent is a risk? Fortunately Washington can no longer impose its domination in Latin America, as it did until a few years ago. All because our people are beginning to build a political process fed by the Right to Self-Determination. All because our people are beginning to build a political process fed by the Right to Self-Determination. And that we welcome. And that we welcome. Because these new winds that move through our continent are a sign of hope. Because these new winds that move through our continent are a sign of hope. Few goberantes remaining stateless providing a service to the Empire. Few goberantes remaining stateless providing a service to the Empire. The mission of our peoples is to continue fighting for his release, because as we said Simón Bolívar "the United States seemed destined by Providence to plagar the miseries of America on behalf of Liberty." The mission of our peoples is to continue fighting for his release, because as we said Simón Bolívar "the United States seemed destined by Providence to plagar the miseries of America on behalf of Liberty."

26)¿La liberación de Clara Rojas y Consuelo González es una señal de que las FARC están dispuestas a ceder? Por decisión de los Organismos Superiores de nuestra Organización Revolucionaria fueron puestas en libertad esas prisioneras como desagravio al Comandante Hugo Chávez, Presidente de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela ya la valiente Senadora colombiana Piedad Córdoba. 26) Does the release of Clara Rojas and Consuelo Gonzalez is a sign that the FARC are willing to cede? By decision of Overseas Agencies of our Revolutionary Organization were released these prisoners as atonement Commander Hugo Chavez, President of the Republic Bolivariana de Venezuela and the courageous Colombian Senator Piedad Cordoba. Quisimos con ese acto demostrarles nuestra firme voluntad de que continuaran contribuyendo en la búsqueda de la Paz para nuestro país. We wanted to show that act our determination to continue helping in the search for peace for our country. Menos mal que en esta lid por la Paz con Justicia Socia, el narcoparamiliar Uribe está quedando como un soldado desconocido. Fortunately, in this lid for Peace with Social Justice, narcoparamiliar Uribe is becoming an unknown soldier.

27)¿Por qué las FARC prometieron a Chávez liberar Emmanuel si el niño ya no estaba con la guerrilla? 27) Why the FARC promised to liberate Emmanuel Chavez if the child was no longer with the guerrillas? ¿Qué fue lo que pasó? Tener los niños donde puedan estar relacionándose con otros niños, en medio de un ambiente infantil y tranquilo, desarrollando las actividades escolares, recibiendo los cuidados que le son propios, lejos del esperpento de la guerra y para su seguridad, muchas veces, con otro nombre , es la forma como las FARC ponen en práctica su responsabilidad en relación con los niños que nacen en medio de la guerra. What had happened? Take children where they can be interacting with other children, in the midst of a child and tranquil environment, developing school activities, receiving the care of its own, away from esperpento of war and for their safety often under another name, is how the FARC put into practice its responsibility in relation to children born in the midst of war. Hacer eso es tener sentido de humanidad. Sólo que cuando las circunstancias lo exigen, el modus operandi es clandestino, sea en el país o en el extranjero. To do that is to make sense of humanity. Except that when circumstances require, the modus operandi is clandestine, either in the country or abroad. En el caso del niño de la señora Clara, no se puede hablar de engaño o trampa. In the case of the child of Mrs. Clara, one can not speak of fraud or cheating. El niño estaba bajo la responsabilidad de las FARC y fue incluido en el grupo de personas que liberaría de manera unilateral como gesto de desagravio al Presidente Hugo Chávez. Pero como el objetivo del Gobierno del narcoparamilitar es impedir que haya Canje de prisioneros, que se pueda aclimatar en Colombia un ambiente de paz que le abra las compuertas a la Reconstrucción y Reconciliación de la familia colombiana, entonces, hace lo que sea, sin importarle el principio de la Confidencialidad establecido por la Convención de los Derechos del Niño. The boy was under the responsibility of the FARC and was included in the group of people who unilaterally release as a gesture of atonement President Hugo Chavez. However, as the Government's objective is to prevent the narcoparamilitar have an exchange of prisoners, allowing the hardening off Colombia in an environment of peace that will open the floodgates for Reconstruction and Reconciliation of the Colombian family, then do what it is, regardless of the principle of Confidentiality established by the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Qué persona honesta puede permancer tranquila y sonrriente ante tan irresponsable e infame actitud que tiene su origen en Washington y en el narco-para-militar su principal cipayo. What honest person can remain calm and sonrriente before so irresponsible and despicable attitude that has its origins in Washington and the narco-for-its main military cipayo.

28)¿Las rehenes liberadas relatan que las FARC encadenan a los rehenes y los amenazan de muerte constantemente. 28) Do the released hostages reported that the FARC strung the hostages and threatened with death constantly. Si la guerrilla abandonara esas prácticas, incluso la estrategia de secuestros, su causa no sería más aceptada por la comunidad internacional? If the guerrillas abandon such practices, including the strategy of kidnappings, his case would not be more accepted by the international community? ¿Las FARC pretenden cambiar la estrategia actual? Las condiciones de la guerra son duras. Are the FARC intended to change the current strategy? The conditions of war are harsh. Y como decía el Che, “hay que endurecerse sin perder la ternura”. And as Che said, "you have to harden without losing tenderness." Usted tuvo la oportunidad de ver el buen estado de salud de las prisioneras liberadas y eso que caminaron durante varios dias en medios de bombardeos ya que los operativos militares (negados por el gobierno) estaban en plena ejecución para impedir el acto de desagravio. You had an opportunity to see the good health of the prisoners released and it walked for several days in means of bombing since the military operations (denied by the government) were in full operation to prevent the act of atonement. Igualmente pudo comprobar el trato entre las rehenes y la guerrilla. It also found the deal between the hostages and the guerrillas. Fue una despedida sin odio, sin recor, al contrario en medio de abrazos y expresiones de amistad. It was a farewell without hatred, without remember, unlike amid hugs and expressions of friendship. Pasa una cosa, los revolucionarios también somos humanos y especialmente humanos, por convicción, por ideología, por principio. Spend one thing, the revolutionaries are also human and especially human conviction, ideology, as a matter of principle. Ahora, que los prisioneros pasen por dificultades, es apenas obvio. Now, that prisoners passing through difficulties, it is hardly obvious. Y los operativos permanentes de rescate por la fuerza, aumentan esas dificultades. And the standing operating rescue by force, increase these difficulties. Ellos no andan haciendo turismo ecológico en la selva. They do not walk by ecotourism in the jungle.

29)¿Quién es, a final de cuentas, el padre de Emmanuel? 29) Who is, in the end, the father of Emmanuel? ¿Dónde está? Where is it? ¿Cuál es su historia con la guerrilla? What is your history with the guerrillas?

Lo que le podemos decir en ese sentido es que no fue obra del Espíritu Santo sino de un muchacho de carne y hueso y una mujer, también de carne y hueso. What we can say in this regard is that it was not the Holy Spirit, but one of flesh and blood boy and a woman, also in flesh and blood. Mejor dicho, se aplicó el adagio que dice: Dios los crea y el diablo los junta Rather, it used the adage: God created the devil and the board