Governor Andrés Julián Rendón Cardona said that the only way left for criminals is to submit to the law. Photo: Archive
As it has done until now, andGovernor Andrés Julián Rendón Cardona refuses to share the same table where there are representatives of groups outside the law that, within the framework of the ‘total peace’ of the National Government, are in dialogue or conversation processes.
“They have called me to a new meeting to discuss what the National Government has called a ‘socio-legal framework’ for the Gulf Clan. What does that mean? Is there impunity with a group that has said it will not submit to justice? In this case the answer is also no. Governor Rendón stated.
He recalled that in the North, Northeast, Bajo Cauca and in the East of Antioquia, The Gulf Clan is responsible for displacements, confinements, micro-trafficking, homicides, illegal mining, activities with which they increase their wealth on account of criminal income.
“I wonder, from Antioquia, where do the members of the National Government live who do not realize these things? “What monitoring do you do on the security situation throughout the country?” questioned the departmental leader.
Antioquians, my answer will be the same out of coherence and conviction: peace is the rule of law, justice and social opportunities.
Neither with FARC dissidents, nor Clan del Golfo, nor with ELN, nor with any bandit,
of different skin, you have to sit down and negotiate. pic.twitter.com/waGVwkkW7h— Andrés Julián (@AndresJRendonC) November 6, 2024
He added that, as he refused to participate in the conversation tables with the FARC dissidents, he also refuses to do so with the Clan del Golfo or any criminal structure.
“Neither with the Clan del Golfo, nor with FARC dissidents, nor with the ELN, nor with bandits of any kind is there anything to talk about. Peace is the rule of law; safely, with justice and with social opportunities. “Not condoning crime,” he concluded.
2024-11-07 15:52:00
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**Interview with Governor Andrés Julián Rendón Cardona on the Peace Dialogues and Criminal Justice**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Governor Rendón. There’s been significant tension regarding the ongoing peace dialogues with armed groups, particularly with the Gulf Clan. Can you elaborate on your stance regarding these conversations?
**Governor Rendón:** Thank you for having me. My position has been clear: I will not sit at the same table with representatives of groups that operate outside the law. The ‘total peace’ initiative is crucial, but it cannot come at the cost of justice. We’re talking about a group—the Gulf Clan—that does not intend to submit to justice, and that cannot be accepted.
**Interviewer:** You recently mentioned concerns about the so-called ‘socio-legal framework’ for the Gulf Clan. Can you clarify what that means in practical terms?
**Governor Rendón:** The term implies potential leniency or accommodations for groups that have openly stated their unwillingness to comply with the law. If this translates to any form of impunity, I firmly reject it. Criminals must understand that their only path forward is to submit to the law, without exceptions.
**Interviewer:** How do you respond to concerns that your lack of participation in these dialogues might hinder the peace process?
**Governor Rendón:** Peace should not be achieved through negotiations with criminal entities that refuse to disarm. My refusal to engage with them is rooted in a commitment to justice for victims of their crimes. We can support peace through law and order, not by making concessions to those who defy the rule of law.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what message would you like to convey to the communities affected by violence in Antioquia?
**Governor Rendón:** I want to assure the people of Antioquia that their security and justice are my top priorities. We will continue working to restore peace, but it must be built on a foundation of justice. We are committed to supporting our communities and ensuring that their rights are protected. Thank you.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Governor, for sharing your insights with us.
[END OF INTERVIEW]
