US embassy cable - 05BOGOTA6953

C O N F I D E N T I A L BOGOTA 006953 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/25/2015 
TAGS: PREL, KJUS, PGOV, PHUM, PTER, CO, Demobilization 
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL COUNSELOR LOZANO MEETS WITH AMBASSADOR 
 
Classified By: Ambassador William B. Wood for reasons 
1.4 (b) and (d) 
 
1. (C) On July 22, the Ambassador reiterated to Presidential 
Chief of Staff Juan Lozano the warning he had given to other 
GOC officials about the need to demonstrate GOC seriousness 
about implementing the Justice and Peace Law within the 
coming weeks.  The Ambassador urged the government to make an 
example out of a major AUC criminal, such as cease-fire 
violator "Don Berna," by bringing down the full weight of the 
law on him.  Alternatively, the GOC could close the 
concentration zone in Santa Fe de Ralito and put all AUC 
commanders in jail while they were being investigated and 
awaiting a reduced sentence.  Without some kind of clear and 
immediate assurance that the GOC was serious about holding 
paramilitaries accountable for their crimes, the Ambassador 
warned critics and skeptics would claim their predictions of 
impunity were correct. 
 
2. (C) Lozano agreed that implementation and interagency 
coordination was key.  He had already held planning sessions 
with the Vice President, Peace Commissioner, Prosecutor 
General, and other officials who would have a lead in 
implementation.  President Uribe's cabinet meeting on July 25 
would be devoted entirely to preparing for the Justice and 
Peace Law.  Lozano noted that the GOC had been trying to find 
a suitable candidate to serve as "Demobilization Czar" to 
implement the law in an objective, independent manner.  He 
agreed with the Ambassador that the candidate needed to be a 
skilled administrator with significant political weight and, 
ideally, not closely associated with the Uribe 
administration. 
 
WOOD