The ongoing peace process in Cubathat was initiated by the founder of the Art of Living, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, got a major boost with the spiritual leader facilitating a meeting between the first prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Dr. Luis Moreno Ocampo, and a peace delegation of FARC led by Alias Ivan Marquez.
The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia—People's Army (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia — FARC) is a guerrilla movement involved in Colombian armed conflict since 1964. It has been known to employ a variety of military tactics in addition to more unconventional methods including terrorism.
The objective of the meeting was to analyze and address the issue of justice in the context of a peace agreement. The first prosecutor was invited by the Art of Living to advise the FARC leadership in his personal capacity, keeping in mind his expertise in the field of international justice. He indicated that the CPI prosecutor Fatou Bensouda will not become an obstacle and could help in the peace process by giving a clear road map to move ahead.
Ocampo explained that the ICC wouldn't be required to launch new investigations since the Colombian justice system had already investigated the conflict. He also hinted at the possibility of giving "alternative sanctions" as "transitional justice" as allowed in armed conflicts.
On his part, Marquez said that FARC wants to end the armed conflict and become a political party to serve the poor and underprivileged in Colombia. Marquez acknowledged an evolution in the Armed Forces in Colombia but insisted that they must tell the truth about excessive use of force during the guerrilla war.
Moved by Gurudev's advice of embracing non-violence, the FARC leadership is taking a step towards peace, truth and reconciliation. The meeting with Ocampo is also seen as a major step forward.
It may be recalled that during his three-day-visit to Cuba on June 28th 2015 ,Gurudev had several rounds of discussions with the FARC leadership and convinced them to embrace the Gandhian principle of non-violence. The FARC had then agreed to speed up the process.
Subsequently in July, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar had inspired an unprecedented unilateral ceasefire.
"Spoke to the FARC Chief Ivan on Monday and gave him a strong message to act on his promise of non violence and avoid disaster. I am glad he heard me and announced today a unilateral ceasefire from July 20th. I understand he needs a week to get the message out. Let us have patience. This month is a testing time to build confidence on both sides. If handled well, it will be a permanent solution," said Gurudev.
Gurudev appealed to the FARC leadership to follow a path of non-violence and to pursue goals of social justice for the good of the Colombian people and the future stability of the country.
The FARC agreed that hatred had derailed the peace process. Ivan Marquez said, "We will work for peace and justice for all the people of Colombia."
Gurudev's efforts have indeed struck the right chord with the leadership and has materialized into promise of lasting peace that has replaced the reality of destruction and violence.
Media Contact:
Kushal C
The Art of Living Foundation
kushal.choksi@artofliving.org;
