IN COLOMBIA, A MOVE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

Limited 'Demobilization' Is Risky But Worth The Effort

The demobilization of hundreds of right-wing fighters in Colombia
represents a worthwhile, albeit risky, venture by the administration
of President Alvaro Uribe. For years, Colombia's embattled governments
have been engaged in a bloody game of both ends against the middle,
with soldiers pitted against leftist insurgents and lawless right-wing
commandos who, in the name of anti-communism, have committed some of
the worst atrocities. After 40 years of unceasing civil conflict, it
should be clear that a political solution of some type is required.
Mr. Uribe's goodwill proffer is a careful step in that direction.

A Ray Of Hope

The government insists that the 850 or so members of a militia
belonging to United Self-Defense Forces (AUC) who surrendered last
week are mostly young men ages 18 to 21 with no outstanding
human-rights charges against them. They will be taken to a sort of
halfway house where, according to the plan, they will remain for three
weeks before entering job training or educational programs. If the
government follows through with this process -- if the gunmen are not
merely turned loose on the streets with no job and no future -- there
is a chance for success.

Critics, who have always believed the president is too close to the
AUC, say Mr. Uribe's decision allows hundreds of killers and drug
traffickers to go free under a process that lacks international
supervision. But one must ask: If hundreds of fighters are willing to
lay down their weapons, what option does the government really have?
If there is a chance to bring them into a peace process, the logical
thing is to try it, with corollary measures to ensure public safety.

One such safeguard would be to avoid reaching a political deal with
the worst members of the AUC -- including its leader, Carlos
Castao, and anyone else accused of committing acts of butchery.
Another would be to make sure that the surrendering soldiers turn in
their arsenal. Reports from the scene of last week's demobilization
suggest relatively few of the weapons conventionally carried by AUC
soldiers were turned in.

Find Peace Formula

The history of Latin America in the past couple of decades in places
such as Nicaragua and El Salvador suggests that peaceful solutions to
civil conflicts require painful choices and difficult compromises. In
those countries, individuals once labeled ''murderers'' and
''traitors'' are leaders of today's legislatures.

It hasn't been easy to bring about peace in Central America. Nor will
it be easy to find the right formula in Colombia, either. But as long
as there are options that might start the process, reduce the level of
fighting or open the door for negotiation, the effort must be made.