The rebels will be thinking about retaliation, what we have to do is stop; stop and transform it into a spiral of forgiveness and reconciliation.

The Colombian economy is very strong. We have one of the highest rates of growth in Latin America.

At this moment, I don't think people would back the old-fashioned Marxist-Leninist ideas of FARC. But I do hope that the rebels will continue to pursue their agenda by legal means and not through violence.

Ten years ago, we were seen as a virtually failed state, but today we are a vibrant democracy. You can walk safely through the streets of Bogota these days.

Colombia has a big market that is growing because we are elevating people out of poverty and into the middle class.

It's in the interest of the U.S. to maintain a strong democracy in Colombia.

To make peace, it is necessary to know how to make war.