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Controversy in La Araucanía: Delegate does not rule out dialogue with CAM, and government attempts to calm tensions

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The presidential delegate of La Araucanía, Eduardo Abdala, did NOT close the door to dialogue with the Arauco Malleco Coordinator (CAM) and stated that they must show "explicit gestures" and "verify their demands," clarifying that—for now—the conditions are not in place.

The controversy arose after the arrest of five individuals for two arson attacks in La Araucanía in 2021, which were claimed by the Arauco Malleco Coordinator (CAM).

In this context, the delegate was consulted and stated that the government will not rest until the best conditions are established in the region, calling on those who believe violence will achieve their "demands" to cease such acts.

The authority was then asked if they were willing to engage in dialogue with the CAM, leaving the door open by indicating that, while he is not in a position to define this stance, explicit gestures from the organizations are needed to initiate talks.

"I am not currently in a position to determine whether the Government or the State is willing to talk with the CAM, because I believe the first thing we need are explicit gestures from these organizations, showing their willingness to engage in dialogue to verify their demands and then assess how far the State can participate. But for now, I believe the conditions are not there," he stated.

This stance drew political backlash. Deputy and leader of Amarillos, Andrés Jouannet, said he would formally request Interior Minister to evaluate the continuity of the presidential delegate in La Araucanía.

"The new presidential delegate has made an inexcusable mistake because he does not even have the authority to address this issue—these matters are at a different level. Therefore, I will formally request the Interior Minister and speak with her to reconsider the delegate's continuation," he said.

Republican Party deputy Stephan Schubert stated that the government must clarify whether they are willing to negotiate with such organizations.

"I would like to know if the President also agrees with this and if this is his strategy for the final year of his term—to sit down and negotiate with terrorists. That is not done. This is an invitation for other groups to use force and terror so that another government later sits down to negotiate and offer them something," he emphasized.

Following the uproar, the Presidential Delegation of La Araucanía attempted to calm tensions, stating in a release that "neither the presidential delegate nor the government has promoted, nor will promote, any type of dialogue with organizations like the Arauco-Malleco Coordinator (CAM) or other actors that resort to terrorist acts as a means to achieve their objectives."

Source:BiobioChile