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Colombia VP calls on guerrillas to stop planting landmines

(Xinhua)    19:06, January 03, 2014
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Colombian Vice President Angelino Garzon on Thursday called on guerrilla groups to stop planting landmines in the country, which is already one of the most mine-affected nation.

Garzon urged both the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the National Liberation Army to immediately cease the use of landmines.

"We ask them to report the minefield locations as soon as possible, to conduct all necessary actions to allow Colombia to be free of mines and achieve the peace we so desire," Garzon was quoted as saying by Caracol Radio.

"Colombia is one of the countries with the highest number of victims of this type of devices. For this reason, we reiterate our commitment and solidarity to the population."

Most of the landmines have been planted by the guerrilla groups in the country to protect their bases and transit routes, or around coca fields to prevent crop eradication by the government.

A total of 10,607 people, including 1,058 minors, have fallen victim since 1990, said Garzon.

He said Colombia will host the world conference on rights of landmine survivors and people with disability on April 4-5, 2014 in Medellin.

Garzon reiterated the government's commitment to seeking peace and ending the country's internal armed conflict for more than 50 years, the longest armed conflict in the Americas.

The government is in peace negotiations with FARC.

(Editor:WangXin、Yao Chun)

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