Weekly Report - 9 March 2004

The government of President Alvaro Uribe has admitted that the `demobilisation' talks with the paramilitaries of the Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia (AUC) have arrived at a `critical' juncture. According to peace commissioner Luis Carlos Restrepo, `without a strong pull on the rudder the process might not be viable.' The paramilitary leaders, however, have made it clear that they do not agree with his vision of the way ahead.