[simonmd]

Yes I read it. Word by word. I am born and raised colombian, and for over 40 years have seen the result of sacrificing justice for short term gains or individual vanity. It's not 5 seats. It's 5 in the senate, 5 in congress, and 16 in special circumscription where only FARC friendly candidates can participate.

They have massive amounts of money stashed for the upcoming campaigns, and by now you should be aware that money buys regional candidates in Colombia. Add to that fear of FARC retaliation in areas where the government now will have NO presence during elections or afterwards. (they have strategically left Frente Primero out of the accord, to handle the residual drug operation and armed coercion).

"Confessing" to war crimes and crimes against humanity does not constitute appropriate punishment under any international standard. The International Criminal Court and Human Rights Watch have both been quite clear that no jail time would be unacceptable.

You have lived here barely enough to have only seen Santos as president, who has done absolutely NOTHING except push his narcissistic agenda forward, at the expense of justice, economy and the independence of the branches of power. I am old enough to know colombia's problem is not 17,000 asshole terrorists in the jungle, it is LACK OF JUSTICE at every level, with politicians, guerrillas, paramilitaries etc. Sacrificing justice to appease one criminal entity is exactly why my country cannot 'move forward'.