The final senatorial debate of the Victims Law was postponed until May 24 by the president of the senate because of the absences of key ministers El Espectador reported Wednesday.
Senate President Armando Benedetti said that the senate meeting was hindered by the absence of several ministers including: Interior and Justice Minister German Vargas Lleras, Finance Minister Juan Carlos Echeverry and Agriculture Minister Juan Camilo Restrepo.
Senator and coordinator of the Victims Law, Juan Fernando Cristo said that some politicians were trying to sabotage the final step in the passing of the law. According to El Espectador, the senator said, “it is very sad” that there “was not the will to attend and discuss such and important law.”
“I’m attending four citations today, I have seen since the early hours, the presentation of the legislative acts from the National Television Commission, following the electoral, I don’t have the gift of ubiquity,” Vargas Lleras said in his defense.
Senator Roy Barreras said that several congressmen were absent in addition to the ministers. He added “It is a silly and unfortunate situation but also it is irresponsible on the part of the coalition to go for lunch when it is time to vote.”
