Whereas, the Town of Fairfax has entered into a sister community relationship with the peace community of San José de Apartadó, Colombia in recognition of that community’s valiant efforts to resist participation in the ongoing civil conflict in Colombia by embracing non-violence and declaring itself neutral while respecting the rights and dignity of all of its neighbors;

Whereas, as a consequence of its rejection of violence and its neutrality, the peace community of San José de Apartadó has withstood repeated acts of violence and intimidation including the murder of two of the sisters of Renato Areiza who recently visited Fairfax on behalf of the Peace Community;

Whereas, the Town of Fairfax wishes to recognize, support and emulate the courageous stance of the Peace Community of San Jose de Apartado through fair trade and cultural exchanges in order to encourage and promote tolerance, respect and the non-violent resolution of civic conflict everywhere;

Whereas, the United States has spent more than $5 billion since 2000 to counter drugs and terrorism in Colombia. Eighty percent of it has been for the Colombian armed forces.

Whereas, the unrestricted flow of money has not decreased the production or flow of drugs, according to State Department and United Nations figures.

Whereas, according to recently discovered information, the government of Colombia has turned a blind eye to collaboration between government officials and paramilitary death squads.

Whereas, the State Department has declared some of these paramilitary groups to be narco-terrorist organizations.

Whereas, high officials in the very Colombian institutions that are supposed to act to protect against government abuses – the Attorney General’s office, the Inspector General, and the legislature – have been working hand in hand to protect paramilitary terrorists.

Whereas, the Bush administration is expected to propose a $700 million package in mostly military assistance to Colombia in February. Whereas, it is time for Congress to stop supporting Colombian paramilitary terrorists – by shifting most or all of the Colombia military package into social programs.

Wherefore, the Fairfax Town Council, as a body, resolves to urge incoming Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the United States House of Representatives, to decrease military aid to Colombia and to shift the funds to social programs that encourage the sanctity of human rights and benefit the civil sector of Colombian society. The council directs that this resolution be transmitted to incoming Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon.Nancy Pelosi,
Hon. Lynn Woolsey and Senators Boxer and Feinstein.

The Foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly adopted by the Town Council of the Town of Fairfax, County of Marin, State of California, at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 4th day of January, 2007, by the following vote, to wit:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:
LARRY BRAGMAN, MAYOR

Attest:

Judith Anderson, Town Clerk