The AUC began peace negotiations with the Colombian government in July 2004. The talks centered on the disarmament of AUC blocks and their reintegration into the Colombian Armed Forces in order to provide security in their local strongholds.  Like in similar, previous negotiations (such as with Pablo Escobar's group), the AUC sought to negotiate surrender and disarmament for promises of non-extradition to the U.S. and reduced prison sentences for terrorist and narcotics crimes. Despite AUC pledges to work with the American and Colombian governments to take action against cocaine production in the areas in which they operate, the American government has refused to drop their demands for extradition of AUC leaders. <P><br /><br />Although the peace talks proceeded slowly at first (hurting the AUC's standing with the public), the disarmament process accelerated in 2005. By early 2006, more than 26,000 right-wing paramilitaries had reportedly disarmed in a series of weapons submission ceremonies. On April 12th, 2006, 1,700 fighters turned in their weapons in the town of Casibare. This action marked the final scheduled ceremony in the demobilization effort. The disarmament process is now presumed to be over, having involved thousands more guerrillas than expected. <P><br /><br />Now that disarmament is reputedly over, it remains to be seen what role former AUC troops will play in Colombian security and politics.  Discouragingly, there have been reports from the north of the country indicating that a few small bands of officially demobilized AUC fighters are still involved in terrorist activities -- including extortion, kidnapping, and even murder. The Colombian government has demanded serious efforts to control any outbreaks from senior commanders, particularly Salvatore Mancuso, though Mancuso has denied having any ability to control his former forces. <P><br /><br />

United Self-Defense Forces of Venezuela (AUV)

Self-Defense Groups of Cordoba and Uraba (ACCU) -- Ally
United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) -- Founding Group