On the death in action of Alfonso Cano

On the death in action of Alfonso Cano

Sobre la muerte en acción de Alfonso Cano

Statement by the Communist Party of Ireland

12 November 2011

The death in action of Alfonso Cano is a severe blow to the aspirations of the Colombian people for social justice and peaceful development, which have long been frustrated by the Colombian state and its backer, US imperialism.

For over sixty years Colombia has suffered the violent repression of state and paramilitary forces. Many times a peaceful way forward was sought, only to find that the Colombian oligarchy and the US imperialists fear peace and profit from war.

The threat of a peaceful settlement always brings a military response. Civilian politicians and other public figures involved in the search for peace also face state repression and threats from paramilitary death squads.

The massive military operation with the aim of killing Alfonso Cano, mounted with the aid of the latest technology from the United States, exposes the brutality of the Santos government and the hollowness of his fine words.

At the same time the state and paramilitary forces continue with their murderous repression of the peaceful struggle of the indigenous peoples, of the peasants whom they are driving from their land, of the workers organised in trade unions, of the students.

The Communist Party of Ireland pledges its continuing solidarity with the Colombian people in their struggle for a peaceful way forward, for social justice, for national liberation, and for socialism.