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Latin America's Oldest Guerilla Group Celebrates 40th Anniversary, May 26, 2004

FARC, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, a Marxist guerilla organization, celebrates its 40th anniversary on the 28th of May, making it the longest lasting Latin American insurgency organization. To celebrate the Thursday anniversary, a string of bombs were set that have killed 13 people and wounded 100. The FARC shows no signs of stabilizing, boasting over 15,000 members, a growth from the original 40 guerillas that in 1964 hid in the Andes with guerilla leader Marulanda (real name Pedro Antonio Marin) after Colombia's government used military force to crush known Communists. The organization is believed to have expanded as a result of entry into the country's cocaine trade, creating the criticism that it is one of the world's largest organized crime gangs. This is disputed by many who maintain the group fights for the poor, including United Nations envoy James LeMoyne, who stated members of the FARC are ideologically committed. The FARC has been pressed by Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, who believes use of force will bring the FARC to the bargaining table.


News Stories:

"Colombia rebels mark 40 years "
CNN May 24, 2004
"Hallan una tonelada de explosivos en cercanías de Bogotá "
RCN Radio (Colombia) May 23, 2004
"Colombian rebels mark founding with violence "
Charleston Post and Courier May 22, 2004
"Colombian Rebels Mark 40th Anniversary "
The Guardian (UK) May 21, 2004

Other Links:

"40 Aniversario de las FARC-EP 1964-2004 "
FARCep.org

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May 26, 2004