Barco Vargas, Virgilio (1921– )

Colombian liberal politician and president 1986–90. His administration succeeded in signing an agreement with the guerrilla group Movimento 19 de abril (M-19) enabling it to form itself into a political party on the condition that decommissioning was realized and insurgency activity was concluded. Economic stagnation was a major problem during his administration.

Ironically, against this climate, guerrilla groups Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC; Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia) and the Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN; National Liberation Army) increased their insurgency activities. This caused major problems for the Barco administration with many regions of the country under paramilitary control.