FRANK LÓPEZ BALLESTEROS
EL UNIVERSAL

Although Colombian Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos is not willing to predict the date of the end of the war against the rebel Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC), he is aware that the guerrilla movement is beleaguered by serious problems after the military operation that ended with the release of 15 hostages last Wednesday.

In an interview with daily newspaper El Universal, Santos fervently defends the Operation Check Mate performed by the Colombian army to rescue a group of captives. "The operation was made in Colombia. We did not have any foreign help."

Santos does not believe that the FARC is likely to retaliate against the hostages, because "it would be a stupid action, a serious mistake." When Santos assesses the current situation, the Defense Minister says: "The operation was a serious blow to FARC and, more specifically, to the main leader of FARC, Alfonso Cano. The best option for them is to negotiate." 

Do you think that the FARC are going to retaliate after 15 hostages were rescued?

I know them perfectly and I am aware that they are able to do a lot of bad things. But killing the captives would be a stupid action. Although they had threatened to execute the hostages, I think that after this bloodless operation, they should ponder their weakness and try to find the correct way leading to peace negotiations.

When did you infiltrate FARC General Secretariat?

We infiltrated the FARC's highest ranks several months ago. But I cannot elaborate on that.

Which is your assessment of the Operation Check Mate?

 This is the most serious blow to the FARC in 44 years, but there will be more. They are going through their worst moment in history. However, we will continue putting military pressure on them until they realize that violence is not the correct way to solve things. It was a serious defeat for Alfonso Cano and for "Mono" Jojoy, who is Cano's foe within the FARC.

Was the Operation Check Mate was made in Colombia or did you have any foreign support?

It was totally made in Colombia. The operation was designed by a group of military intelligence officers and it was staged by our Army. We set up a studio as if we were in Hollywood. Our staff had to play as actors. But we did not ask for foreign help.

Was Washington aware of the operation?

We informed the US government because President Álvaro Uribe had promised President George Bush that he would inform him, since there were three American hostages held by the guerrilla. But that was it.

Do you think that a military base, just like the US base in Manta, Ecuador, could help undermine the FARC's power?

We have clearly stated that we are not going to establish a military base in Colombia. We do accept any type of cooperation in our war against drug trafficking and foreign assistance against terrorism.

What is the status of the FARC Secretariat members? Do you know their whereabouts?

We do know where the FARC leaders are and their sphere of operation, except for those who are abroad. But we are monitoring all of them. New blows are to come little by little.

Minister, did you say the FARC leaders who are abroad?

Yes, they are some leaders abroad indeed.

Do you mean Iván Márquez and others who are said to be in Venezuelan soil?

No comments.

President Uribe and Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez are holding a bilateral meeting any time soon. Has the "Raúl Reyes' computers" issue been buried for good?

This is a question you should pose to the Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs. You must be aware that when I express my opinion, President Chávez gets mad.

What do you expect of the Venezuelan government from now on?

We expect the same thing we would expect from any other government, namely, respect and cooperation to fight terrorism. You have to be aware of Colombia's situation.

Translated by Gerardo Cárdenas