The peace delegation from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) responded Friday to the “unwarranted controversy” generated by criticisms raised by right-wing politicians over their recent visit to the town of El Conejo in the department of La Guajira.

“The preachers of the continuation of the war are indignant because our spokespeople from Havana, with a message of peace and reconciliation, visited one of the departments hardest hit by neglect and the corruption of the ruling elites,” read a statement released Friday by the rebel group.