Despite continued revelations in the parapolitica scandal and accusations linking Army Chief Montoya to numerous abuses, the U.S. government certified on Tuesday that Colombia has improved its human rights record. This certification frees up $55 million in military aid that has been on hold.

For more information and background, visit the Center for International Policy's Colombia site.

The massacre sparked international outrage and could jeopardize U.S. aid. Will security forces finally be brought to justice?
April 1, 2007, Chicago Tribune

Click here for a slideshow featuring CPP member Amanda Jack!

By Gary Marx

LA UNION, Colombia — Two years ago, 17-year-old Bellanira Areiza and seven other peasants were hacked to death with machetes in the lush hills outside this picturesque hamlet in northwest Colombia.

Community leaders say five residents saw men in Colombian army uniforms take away the victims, and nine others later heard soldiers bragging about the killings. But, until now, the Colombian government's investigation into the massacre went nowhere.

The allegations come as Congress reviews aid to the U.S. ally.
The CIA says the intelligence hasn't been fully vetted.
By Paul Richter and Greg Miller
Los Angeles Times, March 25, 2007

WASHINGTON -- The CIA has obtained new intelligence alleging that the head of Colombia's U.S.-backed army collaborated extensively with right-wing militias that Washington considers terrorist organizations, including a militia headed by one of the country's leading drug traffickers.

On March 23, the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó celebrates the tenth anniversary of its founding. This week dozens of supporters from around the world converge in San José for several days of celebration and remembrance.

Read a statement from the Community, with an introduction by CPP team member Janice Gallagher here

Increased activity among armed rightist groups coincides with reports of their links to top politicians.
By Caleb Harris | Contributor to The Christian Science Monitor
Read original here

BARRANCABERMEJA, COLOMBIA - Sandra Gutierrez Torres has a dangerous job. She helps run a grass-roots human rights organization in Colombia's oil capital, Barrancabermeja, and last month her work may have cost the life of her sister.

Katherine Gonzalez Torres disappeared days after a new right-wing paramilitary group calling itself the "Black Eagles" e-mailed a death threat to more than 70 rights groups nationwide: "We will finish with you by means of your families ... your families will pay dearly."

various stories covering the investigation:
Ahead of Bush visit, Colombia announces investigation into massacre
International Herald Tribune
by Toby Muse, 2/28/06

Just days ahead of a visit by President Bush, Colombia said it was investigating 69 soldiers accused in a massacre two years ago that induced Washington to suspend $70 million in military aid to the South American nation. read more, including a quote from FOR's John Lindsay-Poland

Top Colombia official resigns
A scandal involving alleged links to paramilitary forces claims foreign minister.
By Chris Kraul, Times Staff Writer
February 20, 2007

BOGOTA, COLOMBIA — Colombia's foreign minister resigned Monday, the latest casualty in the country's growing investigation into ties between right-wing paramilitary forces and top politicians.

Maria Consuelo Araujo, a favorite of President Alvaro Uribe and a member of a powerful clan, stepped down following the arrest Thursday of her brother and four other lawmakers for alleged links to illegal paramilitary fighters.

A Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Fairfax
Supporting a Decrease in Military Aid to Colombia, 4 January 2007

Whereas, the Town of Fairfax has entered into a sister community relationship with the peace community of San Jose de Apartado, Colombia in recognition of that community’s valiant efforts resist participation in the ongoing civil conflict in Colombia by embracing non-violence and declaring itself neutral while respecting the rights and dignity of all of its neighbors;

Whereas, as a consequence of its rejection of violence and its neutrality, the peace community of San Jose de Apartado has withstood repeated acts of violence and intimidation including the murder of two of the sisters of Renato Areiza who recently visited Fairfax on behalf of the Peace Community;