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Colombia Destroys Thousands of Weapons from Paramilitary Fighters

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Colombian and Organization of American States officials have supervised the destruction of thousands of weapons surrendered by demobilized right-wing paramilitary fighters.

More than 18,000 weapons were melted down Friday. They were handed over as part of a 2003 peace pact between the Colombian government and the United Self-Defense Force of Colombia, or AUC.

Former fighters and their victims, as well as foreign dignitaries, attended the event.

The melted weapons will be used to make plagues honoring the 9,000 civilian victims of the AUC fighters.

The 2003 peace accord resulted in the demobilization of over 30,000 men.

However, officials say there is evidence that some fighters are re-arming.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.

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