Belisario Betancur Cuartas

president of Colombia

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June 22, 2026

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Belisario Betancur Cuartas was the Conservative candidate elected president of Colombia in 1982. His presidency was marked by extreme violence, testing Colombia's commitment to democracy. During his term, individuals connected to the international drug trade assassinated the minister of justice. Additionally, M-19 guerrillas seized the Palace of Justice in Bogotá, leading to a violent military assault that resulted in numerous deaths, including half of the Supreme Court judges. These events highlighted the growing power of drug traffickers and the government's struggle to control terrorist activities. Betancur attempted to de-escalate guerrilla violence by signing an amnesty law and negotiating cease-fire agreements with groups like the FARC and M-19.12

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M-19
Belisario Betancur Cuartas, who came into office emphasizing his desire for peace with the country’s guerrillas, signed a law granting amnesty to almost all insurgents. Secret meetings between Betancur and the M-19 began in October 1983. In August 1984 the M-19 signed an agreement of…
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Belisario Betancur Cuartas, who came into office emphasizing his desire for peace with the country’s guerrillas, signed a law granting amnesty to almost all insurgents. Secret meetings between Betancur and the M-19 began in October 1983. In August 1984 the M-19 signed an agreement of…
Read More

Colombia
The growth of drug trafficking and guerrilla warfare
…Liberal vote was split, and Belisario Betancur Cuartas, the Conservative candidate, was elected president. His presidency was marred by extremes of violence that tested Colombia’s long-term commitment to democracy. In 1984 individuals linked to the international drug trade assassinated the minister of justice. The next year M-19 guerrillas entered the…
Read More
…Liberal vote was split, and Belisario Betancur Cuartas, the Conservative candidate, was elected president. His presidency was marred by extremes of violence that tested Colombia’s long-term commitment to democracy. In 1984 individuals linked to the international drug trade assassinated the minister of justice. The next year M-19 guerrillas entered the…
Read More