Transcript letter Raul Reyes

This is the translation of one of the letters found on Raul Reyes' computer and published by the Colombian Newspaper EL TIEMPO.

Secre03

January 18th, 2008

Secretariat Comrades, Fraternal Greetings.

1-I think is time to launch the proposal by Comrade JE to request the government of Venezuela, to receive the prisoners held by both sides, until the final exchange between the continents is signed. This proposal will give Chavez a greater role and will drown the unworkable pressure to allow visits to the sick prisoners after the bell rang by the survival evidences.
Besides it will strengthen Chavez’s bold recognition of belligerency to FARC and the ELN that caused such phobia and confusion in Uribe, oligarchies and empires. We will stimulate Chavez himself, Ortega and other friendly Governments, which can be added later to the recognition

2- We attended a visit by the Minister of Security of Ecuador, Gustavo Larrea, who will be called Juan hereafter, who in the name of the president Correa brought greetings to Comrade Manuel and the Secretariat. He described as follows:
1- Interest of the president to formalize relations with the leadership of the FARC through Juan.
2- Disposition for coordinating social activities to help the inhabitants of the border strip. Information exchange of information and control of paramilitary crime in their territory.
3- They are willing to change their Armed Forces commanders who show hostile behavior towards the communities and civilians in the area, for which they request our contribution with information.
4- They confirm their political decision to refuse to participate in the internal conflict in Colombia with support to Uribe’s government. For them the FARC are the people’s insurgent organization with social and political proposals which they understand.
5- They ask if we are interested in the political recognition of belligerency. They share Chavez’ ideas on this issue.
6- They will sue the State and Government of Colombia before the International Court based on the harmful effects of the Plan Colombia cocaine spraying.
7- Next year they will cancel the American license on the Manta base.
8- They set the goal to increase their commercial and political relations with Asia: China, Vietnam and North Korea in particular.
9- Their government program is aimed for the building of socialists’ foundations which give special importance to the National Constitution Assembly.
10- They offer their help in FARC’s fight for the humanitarian exchange and a political solution. They have made clear that Uribe represents the interests of the White House, multinationals and oligarchies, they consider him dangerous for the region.
11- They ask our boss and secretary an input that surges his management for the exchange, which could be to deliver professor Moncayo’ son to president Correa or something that allows energize his political work.
12- They would give documentation and protection to one of our men, so he can work relationships on their country, which in his view should be discrete due to the risks of capture or assassination by Uribe’s agents.
13- We left established forms of communications and the possibility to meet again in one or two months to follow up on the themes and deeper about them.
This is about our conversation with Juan.
We explained our border policy, our interest in political relations with their government, the importance of belligerency recognition, our commitment to the exchange and political solution to the Colombian crisis.
We thank their offerings and support to the mission organized by Chavez. On his request, he was told that it corresponds to the Secretariat to respond later.

3. Finally, to illustrate the themes of war and terrorism among us, I’m including part of an article written by Associate Professor of Department of Political Science UNAL, Miguel Angel Barrera Zgaib…
(…)

Hugs, Raul