FARC demonstrated capability to strike in several regions simultaneously despite government’s 2 year military campaign against them: heavy fighting in Narino, Meta and Antioquia departments killed at least 60 troops. President Alvaro Uribe met G-24 representatives at donor conference in Cartagena 3-4 February. G-24 affirmed support for Uribe administration but urged “legal framework” for demobilisation of armed groups. Paramilitary AUC threatened to abandon demobilisation talks if legislation stipulating possible prison terms for past crimes passed by Congress.

Diplomatic dispute with Venezuela saw President Hugo Chavez recall his ambassador to Bogota and suspend bilateral trade projects in retaliation for December kidnapping of leftist rebel in Caracas. Rodrigo Granda, dubbed FARC “foreign minister”, reportedly seized by bribed Venezuelan police and taken across border. Fidel Castro brokered end of crisis communiqué 29 January; Chavez and Uribe scheduled to meet 3 February. UN to suspend mediation efforts between Colombian government and FARC after 4 years of failed attempts to resolve 40- year conflict. Demobilisation of right-wing paramilitaries continued with 900 fighters in northern province of Cordoba 18 January, though army said had killed 11 paramilitaries who had been harassing local residents in central province of Risaralda. Still no legislative agreement on how to hold accountable worst offenders.

Progress in demobilisation of paramilitaries continued: 1,400 fighters of Catatumbo Bloc handed in arms 10 December in largest ever demobilisation; further 550 of Calima Bloc disarmed 18 December. Reintegration strategy still lacking. President Uribe said 16 December would not extradite AUC leader Salvatore Mancuso if he remains in talks with government and stops illegal activities. FARC leader Ricardo Palmera (a.k.a. Simon Trinidad) extradited to U.S. after FARC failed to release 63 hostages before 30 December deadline. FARC rebels reportedly killed at least 17 in northeast Arauca province on New Year’s Eve in retaliation for cooperating with paramilitaries.

FARC rejected 7 November government offer to meet in neutral embassy to discuss prisoner exchange, reiterating demand for demilitarisation of 2 zones in Caquetá department. Ten police officers killed in ELN ambush Paimado, Choco department 16 November. Following AUC-government deal to disband 3,000 fighters, 450 “Bananero Bloc” AUC fighters turned in arms. New truth, justice and reparation bill rejected by President Uribe. After week-long mission to Bojaya, Choco, UNHCR said armed groups tightening stranglehold there with risk civilians could be forced to flee or trapped in crossfire. In 22 November visit to Cartagena, President Bush pledged continued aid. Congress passed bill 30 November allowing Uribe to stand for 2nd term.

AUC leader ordered demobilisation of 3,000 paramilitary fighters starting 3 November. EU changed stance on AUC demobilisation process, pledging financial support under strict conditions including establishment of legal framework for demobilisation and AUC's full compliance with ceasefire and international law. ELN call to FARC for political alliance against President Alvaro Uribe put into question government-ELN talks. Government proposed negotiations on hostage exchange with FARC to be held in foreign embassy. U.S. Congress authorised doubling of number of U.S. troops and contractors.

Demobilisation talks continued between right-wing AUC paramilitary and government despite killing of AUC negotiator Miguel Arroyave and 4 bodyguards, reportedly by fellow AUC members in southern Meta province. Paramilitary splinter group Peasant Self-Defense Forces of Casanare (ACC) announced intention to join talks with government day before 26 September military attack on ACC killed 13. Leftist FARC rebels blamed for 17 September border attack on Venezuelan soldiers and oil engineers; 6 killed. Government negotiations for hostage exchange with FARC faltered over FARC demand for demilitarised zone for negotiations. U.S. gave government $33 million in military aid to fight outlawed armed groups after certifying Colombia’s “progress” on human rights in civil war.

AUC paramilitaries issued 12 August communiqué stating intention to demobilise several thousand fighters. Move followed President Alvaro Uribe’s ultimatum for groups fighting in Casanare department to demobilise. Clashes between Peasant Self-Defense Forces of Casanare paramilitaries (not involved in AUC/government talks) and government troops 28 August left at least 21 dead. Uribe offered to release 50 leftist FARC fighters in return for 60 hostages. FARC rejected terms of exchange offer but Bogota hopeful deal still possible. U.S. warned would enforce extradition warrants against imprisoned fighters if released. Ten coca farmers murdered by FARC in Norte de Santander 11 August, as well as town mayor in Casanare province 28 August. Clash between ELN and government troops killed 5 soldiers 7 August in eastern Arauca province, where 2 unionists, accused of being leftist rebels, killed earlier in month.

Government peace talks with right-wing AUC paramilitaries in northern province of Cordoba underway following May “Ralito II” accord. Senior AUC members given safe conduct to address Congress in Bogota 28 July. Leader Salvatore Mancuso stated willingness to work towards permanent ceasefire. Leftist FARC killed 13 government soldiers in 22 July attack on bridge in southern Putumayo province; ruled out possibility of peace with President Uribe. At least 20 killed in eastern Colombia in 8-9 July due to infighting between rival right-wing paramilitary groups.

President Uribe’s government offered to halt offensive operations against leftist National Liberation Army (ELN) if it calls unilateral ceasefire. FARC killed 34 coca farmers in northeastern region of Norte de Santander 15 June. Attack in retaliation to farmers’ support for right-wing paramilitaries. AUC paramilitaries agreed to confine themselves to rural areas starting 1 July in bid to advance demobilisation negotiations with government. Abducted former Colombian senator and 7 family members freed 1 June, removing last-minute obstacle to talks. Lower house of congress approved bill 17 June to allow Uribe to stand for second term in 2006. Legislation must pass further 4 rounds of voting in house and senate before approval.

Wave of attacks in north killed 21, wounded over 100 as leftist FARC rebels marked 40th anniversary. Senior FARC commander Ricardo Palmera sentenced to 35 years in prison for kidnapping, rebellion. Suspected paramilitaries killed 11 alleged collaborators with leftist rebels. Leaders of AUC paramilitary group agreed to remain in rural area with OAS observers while negotiations continue with government.