Colombia s former FARC guerrillas unveil political party

Bogota Sep 2 (IANS) Members of the defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrilla group have officially entered the political arena by unveiling a political party.

The Revolutionary Alternative Common Force which preserves the movement s acronym FARC will continue to fight for social justice but "with ballots instead of bullets" Xinhua news agency reported.

"For some the initials FARC have a negative connotation but it is our revolutionary and historical past " former rebel leader and spokesman Ivan Marquez told reporters at a press conference on Friday.

"The conflict is now in the political arena " he said.

To convey the new peaceful nature of the movement the party logo features a red rose with a red star in the middle above the group s initials written in green.

"Roses have a lot of positive significance " said Marquez.

Colombia s largest guerrilla group disarmed after signing a peace treaty with the government last November after five decades of fighting and four years of negotiations.

According to the agreement the FARC is guaranteed a certain number of seats in Parliament.

Marquez along with other leaders of the movement such as Carlos Antonio Lozada Pablo Catatumbo and Victoria Sandino plan to run for a congressional seat.

--IANS
pgh/