Laptop Found in Raid Suggests Strong Ties between FARC, Correa, and Chavez

By Jessalyn Mastrianni
Impunity Watch Reporter, South America   

Over the weekend, a raid at a rebel camp uncovered a computer providing evidence that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez had exchanged money with the rebel group, Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).    The laptop, owned by FARC’s second in command, Raul Reyes, was found by Colombian police when Reyes was killed in a raid in Ecuador.  There is debate as to whether the raid violated Ecuadorian airspace.

The laptop shows that Chavez received 100 million pesos from FARC when he was in jail for leading a failed military coup in the 1990s.  It also suggests a gift of $300 million from Chavez to FARC.  In addition, a letter was found in which FARC leaders vow to form an alliance with Venezuela in case of an American attack.

Chavez has made no statement at this point.  However, the Venezuelan Vice President Ramon Carrizlez has dismissed the charges saying, “We are accustomed to the lies of the Colombian government.” 
The computer information also allegedly shows connections between FARC and the President of Ecuador, Rafael Correa.   The laptop also apparently provides evidence that FARC purchased 50 kilos of uranium, which is used primarily in nuclear bombs.

The tensions in South America continue to grow; militaries have been mobilized and the Colombian ambassador in Ecuador has been expelled.   The Organization of American States will hold a meeting tomorrow to discuss the ongoing crisis between Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, and FARC.

For more information, please see:

AP – Senior Colombian Rebel Commander Killed- 2 March 2008

Party for Socialism and Liberation - Colombian government assassinates Raúl Reyes – 1 March 2008

CNN –Colombia: Evidence suggests Chavez gave FARC $300M - 3 March 2008

TREND news agency–Venezuela gave 300 million dollars to FARC, Colombian official says – 3 March 2008

PressTV – Colombia: Chavez finances FARC – 3 March 2008

Radio Netherlands Worldwide - Tensions rise in Colombian FARC crisis – 3 March 2008