JUST over the wire!
BOGOTA, Colombia (CNN) -- The commander of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia's Force 47 told reporters in Bogota Monday -- a day after surrendering -- that "the solution is not through war. There must be dialogue."
On the heels of the primary FARC founding leader dying, this is even better news for peace in Colombia.
More:
She said pressure from Colombian soldiers had been key to their decision, and she called on her fellow rebels to follow her example.
"I invite them to change the sensibility that is among the guerrillas," she said, seated by her companion, who said nothing during the news conference.
She also had a message for the Colombian people: "It is important to do something for peace in Colombia, and that need to do something is precisely one of my motivations."
After 24 years with the FARC, Karina said she wants to reintegrate with society. "At this moment, what I am thinking about is reuniting with my family and with all of society," she said.
This FARC commander spent 24 years in the Colombian bush, has tortured people, and rose to head a primary rebel task force. Now she's given up. One hopes others will follow, and that the brutal bush war that almost consumed Colombia and festered for 40 years will mercifully come to an end. One hopes also that the right-wing paramilitaries in Colombia are now also well and truly finished.
The first link above is quite interesting because it gives readers the first peek ever into the disciplined ranks of a 40-year-old South American Communist rebellion that almost took the country ten years ago, but now appears on its last legs.
I'll update with more thoughts as I have time! (Or as long as I can stay awake.)
***UPDATE*** (if anyone cares): This also comes as South American countries have apparently struck a deal to start creating a South American bloc similar to the Euro Zone.
A meeting where Hugo Chavez and Colombian President Uribe had a strikingly pleasant meeting, if the source is accurate. This is also good news.