Today we mourn the loss of Carlos Castaño, who passed away on April 16th, 2004 at 38 years old. Carlos was a leader in Colombia's armed conflict. He was born in 1966 to a family of ranchers and was brought up with a deep commitment to his Christian faith. He was a fervent believer in a Colombia that was free from violence and social injustice, and he fought for this goal with passion. While his opinions and methods were contested and controversial, his commitment to justice and a peaceful Colombia was unwavering throughout his life. Carlos dedicated himself to the pursuit of peace and the building of a better future for Colombia, and these will be remembered among his greatest contributions. We may not all have agreed with his methods, but it is clear that his death will have a profound impact on the future of his country, and for that we offer our sincerest condolences. May he rest in peace.