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Colombia Ex-rebels Testify on Kidnappings at Peace Tribunal

Associated Press

   BOGOTA, COLOMBIA - Former combatants for Colombia's once-largest rebel
   army asked for forgiveness Monday as they acknowledged kidnappings
   during the nation's long civil conflict at a special tribunal created
   by the peace process.

   Eleven former rebels gave the Special Peace Jurisdiction three file
   folders offering the first joint, written testimony outlining the
   guerrilla army's responsibility in kidnappings of politicians, soldiers
   and civilians.

   "We are reflecting deeply over the acts of war so that we can ask for
   forgiveness for the errors committed," said Rodrigo Londono, alias
   Timochenko, the guerrilla army's former leader who is now spearheading
   their nascent political party.

   The testimony comes as cracks in Colombia's still-fragile peace process
   continue to emerge. A small cadre of ex-rebel commanders officially
   abandoned the historic accord recently and announced they are rearming.
   Vast stretches of remote, rural land remain in the control of illegal
   armed groups fighting over drug routes. Meanwhile, many former
   combatants transitioning to civilian life have turned up dead.

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