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Colombia rewards disarmed paramilitants

Two-thousand Colombian paramilitary fighters turned in weapons and helicopter gunships in what is being hailed as one of Colombia`s largest disarmament ceremonies in years. In exchange for disbanding, the fighters from the outlawed United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia were granted amnesty and will receive monthly stipends of $180 from the government.

The camouflage-clad fighters filed past an outdoor stage and handed over 1,254 rifles to government officials at a heavily guarded ranch in the northwest. They also surrendered 80 other guns, 526 grenades, 13 rockets and two helicopter gunships.

In other related news, Colombia`s government recently announced it would be willing to negotiate with armed groups which have taken hostages. This represents a departure from Bogota`s previous policies, which like many countries tended to take a firm stand against negotiating with such groups.