Rep. James P. McGovern statement on Colombia

Washington, DC, December 18, 2013
The Procurador's action against the Mayor of Bogota, and the response inside Colombia, indicate the need for reflection on how prepared Colombian society is – including its highest authorities – to expand the political landscape and welcome the political participation of previously excluded sectors, including those of former combatants.

“The Procurador’s action against the Mayor of Bogota, and the response inside Colombia, indicate the need for reflection on how prepared Colombian society is – including its highest authorities – to expand the political landscape and welcome the political participation of previously excluded sectors, including those of former combatants.  These are all Colombian internal affairs, in my view, but nations and individuals who are friends of Colombia and who support the peace process are watching this debate closely to see how such actions might affect the inclusion of new voices and social sectors in Colombia’s democracy and political life.”