Barros on States of Exception: "Defense Will Not Solve the Mapuche Problem"

The Minister of Defense, Fernando Barros, relaxed as if he had been in the position for years and not days, spoke at length with the senators of the Defense Committee. His performance was not anticipated to be easy, as there are figures like a former high-ranking military officer, Cristian Vial, and historic, tough legislators such as Francisco Huechumilla (DC), who chairs the committee.

Regarding the "state of constitutional exception —the minister detailed—, we know there is concern; I have expressed it, it is not natural for the Armed Forces to be in control of public order for four years. We have a very complex issue regarding security. The state of constitutional exception leads us to say that there was talk of de-escalation and (that) there has been immediate cross-cutting concern from parliamentarians and people from the business world. I would ask that we address this in a secret committee."

Regarding the "state of constitutional exception —the minister detailed—, we know there is concern; I have expressed it, it is not natural for the Armed Forces to be in control of public order for four years. We have a very complex issue regarding security. The state of constitutional exception leads us to say that there was talk of de-escalation and (that) there has been immediate cross-cutting concern from parliamentarians and people from the business world. I would ask that we address this in a secret committee."

The minister also stated that the state of constitutional exception decreed at the beginning of the year for Concepción, Penco, and Tomé, due to the fires that affected part of the Biobío Region, will not be renewed, so it will not be extended beyond tomorrow when it expires.

Delving deeper into the issue, Araya states: "In a broader scenario analysis, this milestone could be interpreted as the beginning of a necessary de-escalation in the southern macro-zone. But I want to be clear and categorical, we must be extremely cautious: the end of the exceptionality cannot translate into a reduction in vigilance."

"It is not a political ministry"

Due to various tasks assigned in recent years, Barros expressed: "The Armed Forces have moved away from their more traditional role, and we believe it is important to return the focus of the discussion to the capabilities and matters proper to the Armed Forces. As a ministry, we understand that defense requires a long-term vision, in-depth discussions, and consensus that transcends daily political debate. We have defined, as much as possible, that in our view this is not a political ministry, this is a State ministry, and we want to consider it as such in our way of working."

Source:El Mercurio