==================================
The paramilitary groups said they
would launch a concerted offensive
in Casanare, Meta and Guaviare
departments aimed at arm-twisting
the Revolutionary Armed Forces of
Colombia (FARC) into unconditional
peace talks with the government.
==================================
AGENCE FRANCE PRESSE

Thursday, 7 May 1998


28 Colombian villages under threat of paramilitary attack
 --------------------------------------------------------- 

By Pablo Rodriguez

BOGOTA -- At least 28 Colombian villages are under threat of attack by 
right-wing paramilitary groups, according to a confidential intelligence 
document leaked to local radio Thursday. 

RCN radio reported that Colombian intelligence agencies had given the 
government a list of 28 remote villages in seven provinces likely to come 
under attack.

The report follows criticism of the armed forces for failing to predict and 
prevent the massacre of at least 17 peasants in the tiny town of Puerto 
Alvira Monday.

A group of about 200 heavily armed men who witnesses identified as 
paramilitaries entered the remote jungle town, killed 17 people, destroyed 
the dock and airstrip, and gave residents eight days to evacuate their homes 
or be killed.

The report identified four paramilitary organizations in the areas that are 
ready to strike at any moment in their bloody war against supporters of 
leftwing rebels.

The paramilitary groups were initially created with the help of the military 
as "self-defense" groups against rebel actions in the 1980s but have since 
taken the offensive, killing purported supporters of the guerrillas in village 
attacks. The crimes generally go unpunished. 

The intelligence report coincided with a public threat from the United Self-
Defense Groups of Colombia (AUC).

The paramilitary groups said they would launch a concerted offensive in 
Casanare, Meta and Guaviare departments aimed at arm-twisting the 
Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) into unconditional peace 
talks with the government.

The FARC, Colombia's oldest and largest rebel group which controls parts of 
the country, has said the government of President Ernesto Samper lacks 
legitimacy to negotiate peace.

Copyright 1998 Agence France Presse