CPTnet
June 17, 2003
COLOMBIA UPDATE: May 2003

During the month of May, CPT Colombia continued its protective presence with
the formerly displaced families living in the Cienaga del Opon. CPT's
accompaniment in the region has helped over eighty families remain in their
communities to fish, grow crops, and rebuild their lives.

The month of May started with CPT Colombia holding several meetings with
representatives of the Colombian government in order to clarify the team's
activities in the country. On May 6, Keith Young received a renewal on a
one-year visa--the second such visa issued to CPT this year.

CPT Colombia continues to be concerned about the ongoing presence of armed
actors in the Cienaga lake and the Opon River areas. For the first time in
months, CPT had a direct encounter with a small band of armed guerillas. The
team has also documented a paramilitary presence along the Opon River.

May 4
The team accompanied members of the