Colombian president-elect gives armed groups one month to surrender

Colombia's hard-right president-elect, Abelardo de la Espriella, has issued a stark ultimatum to the country's guerrilla groups: surrender within one month. This firm stance on security issues was a key factor in his narrow electoral victory, which came as Colombia grapples with its highest levels of violence in a decade.

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To all those acting outside the law, you have one month to arrange your submission.

In his first speech following the official confirmation of his win, the millionaire lawyer declared, "To all those acting outside the law, you have one month to arrange your submission." He explicitly rejected the approach of the outgoing administration, stating, "In my administration, there will be no generous offers or unacceptable concessions like those they received from the regime that is ending."

During his campaign, de la Espriella expressed a desire for aggressive tactics, including bombing campaigns against guerrillas and the construction of "mega-prisons" similar to those in El Salvador. His victory marks the end of the first-ever leftist government in Colombia, led by President Gustavo Petro. De la Espriella also intends to strengthen military ties with the United States and Israel, envisioning an unprecedented relationship with the latter.

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In my administration, there will be no generous offers or unacceptable concessions like those they received from the regime that is coming to an end.

This tough approach comes as a UN report indicates an increase in drug crops in Colombia, the world's largest cocaine producer. Experts suggest that previous peace talks, initiated by the Petro administration, may have inadvertently allowed armed groups to consolidate their strength.

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Colombia and Israel will share a relationship like never before.