Colombia: Conflict Escalation Alarms Rural Communities

Optimism in rural Colombia over prospects for a peace agreement to end the five decade long armed conflict has now, with the escalation of tensions and confrontations between the government and rebels, turned to fear and concern. While the agreement to clear the countryside of landmines was welcomed by Colombia's rural communities, the recent renewal of military confrontations between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) has raised alarm bells. Local leaders expressed concern that the de-mining efforts could be reversed, as has occurred in recent weeks with the rebel's unilateral ceasefire and the government's suspension of airstrikes. While reports indicate that the government and rebels have complied with the de-mining schedule, social organizations nevertheless call on authorities to accept the FARC's call for a bilateral ceasefire to ensure that the peace process advances. Natalia Margarita reports from Bogota. teleSUR