CPTnet
March 11, 2002
COLOMBIA: CPT statement regarding FARC attack on Colombian Army
The statement below was read by CPTers in the village of San Francisco on
Friday, March 1, 2002 and then released to the Spanish language press in
Barrancabermeja.

On Sunday Feb 10, 2002 CPTers Scott Kerr and Chris Schweitzer were in San
Francisco in the Cimitarra Valley. There were approximately 100 soldiers of
the Colombian Army present in the town. Sometime after 4 pm there was
guerilla gunfire from the far side of the river which drew a barrage of
return fire from the army. A home of civilians on the far side of the river
came under heavy army fire. The family fled for their lives when they were
able.

The next day CPTers Kerr and Robert Holmes visited the home and observed
the bullet holes. This action, initiated by FARC, clearly endangered the
lives of civilians. CPT calls on FARC and all the armed groups in the area
to refrain from armed combat. CPT considers the lives of all - civilians,
Army, FARC and paramilitaries - as sacred.

Christian Peacemaker Teams, Colombia