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Subject: "Can Columbia Cope?" Hoskin and Murillo Author: Sing Your Li [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ] Date Posted: 05:33:16 05/16/02 Thu In reply to: Dylan 's message, "Articles" on 08:11:53 05/11/02 Sat This article discusses the obstacles to the consolidation of democracy in Colombia after the period of interparty violence called la viloencia between 1948 and 1960 that resulted in the deaths of 200,000 Colombians. From 1958 to 1974, an agreement between the two main parties the Liberals and the Conservatives took effect that restricted participation in the electoral process to the two parties, who alternated control of the presidency and shared equally in all administrative, judicial and legislative posts. The goal which was achieved to a considerable extent, was to reduce societal violence, depoliticize economic policy and restrain interparty competition to promote social and economic policy. Discontent with the inability of other groups to have a say in the government gave rise to political movements and guerrilla groups, two of which remain active today--FARC and ELN. After 1974, the governments faced the task of dismantling the National Front, which proved difficult because of the continuing dominance of the traditional parties . Reform efforts were also overshadowed by the activity of guerrilla groups and narcotraffickers which were trying to influence politics in order to consolidate their enterprises. Eventually, there was a new constitution drawn up at the convocation of the ANC, a constitutional assembly in 1990. But the government was weakened by allegations of illegitimacy such as alleged illicit campaign financing from a drug cartel or members of Congress with ties to drug lords. Congressmen were also accused of favoring special interests and political corruption. So the Pastrana government elected in 1998 faces four major challenges: 1) Engineer political support for government initiatives which involves keeping the president's coalition together 2) Doing something about the deteriorating economic and fiscal situation 3) Coordinating a peace process with guerrilla and paramilitary groups 4) Restoring Colombia's international credibility, which has been marred by drug trafficking and human rights violations on all sides. [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

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Subject Author Date Soldiers in a Narrow Land (by Spooner), pgs. 1-5, 56-77, 83-104, 113-159 Kevin McComber 09:08:30 05/16/02 Thu