BACKGROUND: INGRID'S KIDNAPPING
* First Word of Kidnap: Alert from Perú, 2/23/02
* Associated Press Update - 2/26/02
* Statement from Partido Verde Oxígeno -2/27/02
* Íngrid wanted freedom for other abductees
* "Government Must Take Responsibility" 2/25/02
* Link: Ingrid's speech to Global Greens 2001

GREEN PARTY RESPONSES
* Press Release: Green Party of the U.S., 2/25/02
* Greens on four continents send message to FARC
* Federación de Partidos Verdes de las Americas
* Federation des Partis Ecologistes d'Afrique
* Statement by Senator Bob Brown, Australia
* U.N., European Union call for Íngrid's release
* Contact information for U.S. Greens
* Australian Senator campaigns in Colombia
* FPVA leaders visit Ingrid's family, officials
* Mexican Senate calls for Ingrid's release
* Candles of Freedom in the U.S. and worldwide
* Velas de Libertad en Perú, 3/1/02
* Austrian Greens call for "urgent action"
* Scottish Greens lobby Jack Straw
* European Greens Work for Ingrid's Release
* From the Green Party of Brasil, 2/25/02
* Swedish Green Party "Shocked"
* The Greens/EFA Group, European Parliament

NEWS FROM COLOMBIA
* Links to News from Colombia (Spanish)
* Ingrid's children send their love
* Gobierno: propuesta de intercambio
* Government proposes exchange
* FARC releases proof of life video
* Ingrid produce revuelo en el gobierno
* Betancourt campaign: Free all abductees
* Gabriel Betancourt dies at 83, on 23 March
* FARC wants to exchange Ingrid for its cadres
* "The Campaign Will Go Forward!" - 2/26/02

INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMACY
* Background: Alain Lipietz mission to Colombia
* European Parliament: "Release Ingrid"
* Powerful Brazilian PT appeals to FARC
* European mission to Bogotá
* Venezuelan Government Offers to Help


Ingrid's father dies of heart attack, exactly one month after her kidnapping
(March 23, Bogotá) -- Gabriel Betancourt Mejia, 83, was former Colombian Minister of Education and had served as Colombian ambassador to UNESCO in Paris. Ingrid's campaign organization "New Colombia" attributed Betancourt's heart attack to the stress of his daughter's February 23rd kidnapping. Several other presidential candidates (Álvaro Uribe, Horacio Serpa, Luis Garzón and Noemí Sanín), the embassies of France and Spain, and Colombian interior minister Armando Estrada Villa, all asked FARC to release Ingrid following her father's death. In her second public statement since the kidnapping, Ingrid's 16 year old daughter Melanie Delloye also appealed to FARC to free her mother, as a humanitarian gesture toward her family and the international community. Despite these humanitarian appeals, FARC refused to respond, and Ingrid remains imprisoned at an unknown location.


European Mission to Colombia: High Visibility, but Little Progress

Alain Lipietz and Jorge Bocanegra met Colombian, European, and UN officials; Green Party leaders

Alain Lipietz MEP Les Verts (FR)

Diplomatic efforts. European Green envoys Alain Lipietz, member of the European Parliament, and French Green (of Colombian origin) Jorge Bocanegra, have returned from their mission to Colombia. During the trip, Lipietz held press conferences; met with local Green Party leaders; held discussions with the French, Spanish, and Italian ambassadors; spoke with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; and met three other presidential candidates who also favor resumption of Colombian peace talks.

Lipietz's report upon his return is not promising. He learned that the faction which holds Íngrid, and which appears to now hold power within FARC, are the group's "hawks," with apparently little interest in further negotiations. Greens in Europe, Lipietz believes, must move to Plan B: increasing pressure on FARC via the Council and Parliament of Europe, while leaving an opening (une petite porte) for discussions; and at the same time, seeking stronger support from FARC's leftist allies elswhere in South America. This view contrasts with the more optimistic tone of Lipietz's original hopes for his trip (See text of Lipietz press statement; AFP article, below).

View text (in English) of Alain Lipietz's report
Le rapport d'Alain Lipietz, en français

Ingrid's children send her their love, with words of strength and courage

Ingrid Betancourt Presidential Campaign
Colombia Nueva, 2/27/2002

Following are the words sent from abroad by cassette from Melanie and Lorenzo:

Melanie Delloye (16): "Be strong, Mommy, be strong. Keep on fighting. Be calm. You will come out of this one with flying colors. Mommy, I love you with all my heart; I think of you every second. I adore you. Be strong. I love you (a kiss)".

Lorenzo Delloye (13): "Mommy, I am with you every second. Strength, Mommy, be really strong. We love you; I love you with all my heart. You will come out of this and be received with special consideration and attentions. You'll get out, Mommy, for sure; everything is going to work out for you; you will manage. (a kiss)".

Global Candles of Freedom
Friday, March 1, 2002

Green Parties and advocates for peace everywhere took part in an international candlelight vigil on Friday, March 1, initiated by Íngrid Betancourt's family, friends, presidential campaign, and political party.

In Perú, the Friday vigil was held at the Colombian embassy in Lima, where members of the Peruvian Green Party lit Candles of Liberty - Velas de Libertad, in a demonstration of determination to see sister Ingrid freed.

In Australia, vigils were held in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, and Adelaide, calling for high level negotiations between the Colombian government and the rebels, with organizers of Ingrid's presidential campaign included in the negotiations.

Providence, USA

In Providence, Rhode Island (USA), as in other U.S. cities, several dozen people took part in the March 1st vigil, including members of the Green Party, the Rhode Island Latino Political Action Committee (RILPAC), the Colombian American Cultural Society, college students, and peace activists.

Velas de Libertad
1 de marzo, Lima, Perú

El Partido Alternativa Verde del Perú realizará una segunda vigilia mañana viernes frente a la Embajada de Colombia en Perú para exigir ante la opinión pública nacional e internacional la libertad de la candidata ecologista a la Presidencia de Colombia, Ingrid Betancourt, quien permanece secuestrada por las FARC. Flor de María Hurtado, Secretaria General Nacional, expresó que de no haber una respuesta positiva hasta el fín de semana, estará arribando a Bogotá Colombia la próxima semana, el Presidente del Partido Alternativa Verde: Alex González Castillo para sumarse a la presión internacional en dicho país y exigir la inmediata liberación de Ingrid Betancourt. Mientras tanto VELAS DE LIBERTAD encenderán mañana viernes los Verdes del Perú.

Partido Alternativa Verde
Telefax: 00-511-4476605 ~ 00-511-4479418
altenativaverde@terra.com.pe
www.verdes.org.pe

Austrian Greens ask Colombian government to take "urgent action" for "this brave and peaceful woman"

H.E. Dr. Héctor Charry Samper
Botschaft der Republik Klumbien
Stadiong. 6-8
1010 Wien

Vienna, 28th February, 2002

Your Excellency,
Honourable Dr. Héctor Charry Samper,

On behalf of the Green Party of Austria, I am writing to express our shock and dismay at the abduction of Presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt and her campaign director Clara Rojas.

The two women were kidnapped along with three others on Saturday as they travelled to San Vicente del Caguán. Their three companions were shortly afterwards freed, but no word has yet been received about the safety or liberty of Ingrid or Clara.

As leader of Partido Verde Oxígeno, the Colombian Green Party, Ingrid has been a tireless campaigner for human rights, democracy, and a negotiated political settlement of the long-running conflict between the Colombian authorities and the FARC guerrillas. She was travelling to San Vicente despite the dangers to express solidarity with local citizens, who have elected a Green mayor for their town.

We urge the Colombian Government to take urgent action to secure the safe release of this brave and peaceful woman. Green Parties throughout the world have been inspired by her tireless campaigning for a better future for Colombia and all its citizens.

We look forward to hearing what steps you are taking to ensure her safe and speedy return to the presidential campaign trail. It is vital that the peace process is not stopped.

Yours sincerely,

Ulrike Lunacek
Member of the Austrian Parliament (Green)
Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs

Greens in European Parliament Work for Ingrid's Release

BRUSSELS, 27 February -- Arnold Cassola of the European Federation of Green Parties (EFGP) reports that on Wednesday, February 27, the Green Group in the European Parliament approved several actions related to Ingrid Betancourt's kidnapping in Colombia. The Green Group agreed to send a letter to the Forum San Paolo, protesting Ingrid's abduction and calling for assistance securing her release. European Green parliamentarians will also begin making contact with European political groups (such as Rifondazione Comunista), who are known to be in communication with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Green European Parliament member Alain Lipietz will be dispatched to Bogotá on March 3rd as a Special Envoy, to explore possible initiatives. Finally, the Green Group obtained a promise from the president of the European Parliament, Pat Cox, to raise the question of political kidnappings in Colombia during the Parliament's plenary session.

Statement of the Greens/EFA Group, European Parliament
25 February 2002

Greens/EFA shocked about kidnapping of Green Presidential Candidate in Colombia

The Green/EFA Group in the European Parliament today condemned the kidnapping of Green presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt and her campaign officer Clara Rojas in Colombia.

Speaking on behalf of the Green/EFA Group, Monica Frassoni, Co-President of the Group, said:

Prisoner exchange proposal failed to win Ingrid's freedom last July

Gobierno entregó a las Farc propuesta de "intercambio humanitario"

(30 de julio de 2002) - El propósito es buscar la liberación de soldados, policías y políticos en poder de ese grupo guerrillero. A cambio, deben salir de la cárcel varios guerrilleros presos.

Las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (Farc) recibieron y analizan la propuesta que contiene varias alternativas.

La iniciativa señala que los rebeldes serían dejados en libertad, "a través de una amnistía o un indulto", y serían liberados quienes no estén inmersos en procesos o condenados por secuestro o delitos de lesa humanidad.

El "intercambio humanitario" se realizaría por medio del Comité Internacional de la Cruz Roja (CICR).

Los siguientes son los puntos centrales de la propuesta:

1. Libertad condicional para los guerrilleros si hay sentencia y libertad provisional si no hay sentencia. En ambos casos la condición es que no vuelvan a las filas de la guerrilla ni cometan delitos. En ninguno de los dos casos se incluye a aquellas personas que estén juzgadas por secuestro o algún delito de lesa humanidad.

2. Amnistía e indulto. Igual, se aplicaría a quienes no hayan cometido delitos de lesa humanidad.

3. El intercambio humanitario podría darse o no de manera simultánea.

Las Farc tienen en su poder a dos ex ministros, a la ex candidata presidencial Ingrid Betancourt, a doce disputados regionales, a cinco congresistas y a 45 soldados y policías, algunos de ellos desde hace más de tres años.

En distintas ocasiones, las Farc han propuesto desde hace varios años que el Ejecutivo presente al Legislativo una propuesta de "canje" de los secuestrados por guerrilleros presos.

Simultáneamente, el senador Carlos Moreno de Caro también propuso en el Congreso que en caso de que se apruebe el "intercambio", se condicione a que los rebeldes liberados realicen por un tiempo "labores sociales" en las zonas de influencia guerrillera y a favor de la población civil.

Los guerrilleros presos puestos en libertad, además, según Moreno de Caro, "se deben comprometer a no secuestrar más ni a volar más torres" de conducción de energía eléctrica o de comunicaciones.

El Tiempo


Government offers FARC proposal for a "humanitarian exchange"

(July 30) - The purpose of the proposal is to free soldiers, police and politicians being held by the guerrillas. In exchange, several guerrilla prisoners, held by the government, would be released.

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) has received and is analyzing the proposal, which contains several alternatives.

The initiative points out that rebels would be released "through an amnesty or a pardon," and only those who were not involved in proceedings, or had been convicted, of kidnapping or human rights violations, would be eligible.

The "humanitarian exchange" would be carried out by means of the International Committee of the Red Cross (CICR).

The following are the central points of the proposal:

1. Conditional freedom for sentenced guerrillas, and provisional freedom for those who have not been sentenced. In both cases the condition is that they neither return to guerrilla ranks, nor commit new crimes. In neither category would be included those people who have been adjudicated for kidnapping or any crime against humanity.

2. Amnesty and pardon. Likewise, amnesty and pardons would apply to those who had not commited crimes against humanity.

3. The humanitarian exchange could occur simultaneously, or not.

The Farc has in their control to two former ministers, former candidate presidential Ingrid Betancourt,twelve regional deputies, five members of Congress, and 45 soldiers and police, some of these held for more than three years.

On various occasions, FARC has pointed out that it has been several years since the Executive has sent to the Legislature, a proposal to "exchange" abductees for imprisoned guerrillas.

Simultaneously, Senator Carlos Moreno de Caro also proposed in Congress that should an exchange be approved, one condition should be that liberated rebels carry out for a time "social works" in the zones of FARC influence, to benefit the civilian population.

Freed guerrillas, according to Moreno de Caro, "should also promise to engage in no further kidnappings nor destruction of towers," for electric power or communications.

El Tiempo

Colombian Greens make it official: Íngrid Betancourt for the Presidency of Colombia, Clara Rojas for Vice President

BOGOTÁ, Colombia (April 1) - Íngrid Betancourt's husband Juan Carlos Lecomte, and her mother Yolanda Pulecio, on Monday, April 1 joined members of the Partido Verde Oxígeno and the affiliated Movimiento Colombia Nueva, to officially inscribe (i.e. nominate) the kidnapped Green party founder for the office of the Presidency of Colombia.

At the same time Clara Rojas, kidnapped with Betancourt on February 23, was nominated for the office of Vice President.

Accompanied by a life-sized photo of Ingrid, Pulecio called Ingrid's and Clara's campaign one of "SOLIDARITY with all the kidnapped and disappeared in the country."

"Ingrid y Clara," Pulecio said, "serán los símbolos de la lucha por el resperto de la vida, la dignidad y la libertad de los colombianos." ["Ingrid and Clara will be symbols in the struggle for the respect for life, the dignity, and the freedom of the Colombian people."]

A Colombian law approved in December guarantees that electoral campaigns of candidates who have been kidnapped may legally proceed even in their absence.

European Parliament: "Immediate and unconditional liberation of Ingrid Betancourt and all the other hostages"

The European Parliament calls for the FARC to liberate Ingrid Betancourt and the other hostages.

(March 14, Strasbourg - AFP). On Thursday, the European Parliament appealed to Colombia's Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC, marxist guerrillas) to liberate ecological presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt immediately, as well as the other individuals who have been kidnapped.

In a resolution voted at Strasbourg, the deputies of the European Parliament demanded of FARC the "immediate and unconditional liberation of Ingrid Betancourt and all the other hostages, to provided irrefutable proof of their desire to pursue a dialogue towards peace." The European Parliament thinks that the break in the peace process is due to violence by the FARC, just as President Pastrana had decided to extend the negotiations.

The parliament has also vigorously condemned the last murders, especially that of Senator Marta Catalina Daniels (on March 2), and they are also condemning all violations of human rights in Colombia.

Ingrid Betancourt was kidnapped on February 23 by FARC, the principal guerrilla movement in Colombia. Five senators have been kidnapped by FARC guerrillas since August 2000.

The European Union is considering adding FARC to its list of terrorist organizations, and is currently undertaking open consultations on this topic. Some states of the EU are also thinking of adding to that list the Army of National Liberation (ELN, guevarist guerrillas) Colombia's second largest guerrila group, after FARC.

Le PE appelle les FARC à libérer Ingrid Betancourt et les autres otages

STRASBOURG, 14 mars (AFP) - Le Parlement européen a appelé jeudi les Forces armées révolutionnaires de Colombie (FARC, guérilla marxiste) à libérer immédiatement la candidate écologiste à l'élection présidentielle, Ingrid Betancourt, et les autres personnes actuellement enlevées.

Dans une résolution votée à Strasbourg, les eurodéputés demandent aux FARC "la libération immédiate et inconditionnelle d'Ingrid Betancourt et de toutes les personnes actuellement enlevées, pour apporter la preuve irréfutable de leur volonté de poursuivre le dialogue de paix". Le Parlement européen "attribue la rupture du processus de paix avec les FARC au recours à la violence par ces dernières au moment où le président (Andres) Pastrana avait décidé de prolonger les négociations".

Les élus européens ont en outre condamné énergiquement les derniers assassinats et notamment celui de la sénatrice Marta Catalina Daniels (le 2 mars dernier), "ainsi que toute les violations des droits de l'homme en Colombie".

Ingrid Betancourt a été enlevée le 23 février par les FARC, principal mouvement de guérilla en Colombie. Cinq sénateurs ont également été enlevés par cette guérilla depuis le mois d'août 2000.

L'Union européenne envisage d'inscrire les FARC sur sa liste des organisations terroristes, a-t-on appris par ailleurs à Bruxelles.L'UE mène une "réflexion ouverte" à ce sujet. Certains Etats de l'Union européenne sont en outre également partisans d'inscrire sur cette liste l'Armée de libération nationale (ELN, guérilla guévariste), le deuxième groupe de guérilla en Colombie après les FARC.


Brazil's powerful Workers Party (PT) appeals to FARC: "Release Ingrid"

(March 10, São Paulo) -- In an important March 6 communiqué to FARC's International Commission, Aloizio Mercadante, International Relations Secretary for Brazil's powerful Workers Party (Partido dos Trabalhadores), has appealed to FARC to release Ingrid Betancourt, saying that her kidnapping can only delay FARCs recognition as a military force under the Geneva Convention, and may contribute to further U.S. intervention in the region.

While condemning the Pastrana government's unilateral withdrawal from negotiations, and human rights violations against the civilian population which will inevitably result, the PT statement calls on FARC to consider the repercussions of Ingrid's abduction.

FARC, the communiqué declares, has damaged its own international reputation by kidnapping Betancourt, alienating powerful political forces in Europe and at the United Nations. Releasing her, on the other hand, would represent an important political gesture, a concession to public sentiment and international solidarity, and a demonstration of FARCs willingness to return to the peace talks.

---

The Workers Party, which condemns the unilateral rupture of negotiations on the part of the Colombian government, and which is mobilizing at this time against Plan Colombia, and defends the reinitiating of dialog, appeals to the Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces -- FARC-EP -- to liberate Ms. Ingrid Betancourt.

---

This appeal from the Workers Party, perhaps Latin America's largest and most influential leftist political organization, is one of the most promising developments to date in the international campaign to secure Ingrid's freedom, in part because it may lead to further appeals from FARC's closest allies in the region.

Click here for a complete English translation of the PT letter.
Click here for the full text of the PT statement and other documents (in Portuguese), on the party's website.

Carta enviada pelo PT às Farc

10/03/2002 - O deputado federal Aloizio Mercadante, secretário de Relações Internacionais do PT, enviou correspondência à Comissão Internacional das Forças Armadas Revolucionárias da Colômbia (Farc). No documento, afirma que o PT, "que condena a ruptura unilateral das negociações pelo governo colombiano", também apela que as Farc libertem Ingrid Betancourt — candidata à Presidência seqüestrada no último dia 23 —, o que representaria um importante gesto político e uma demonstração da disposição de retomada das discussões pela paz.

Partido dos Trabalhadores
São Paulo, 6 de março de 2002

Às
Forças Armadas Revolucionárias da Colômbia - Exército do Povo
FARC-EP
Comissão Internacional
A/C Marco León Calarcá

Em nome do Partido dos Trabalhadores quero manifestar nosso empenho na retomada do processo de negociação de paz que vinha se desenvolvendo há quase três anos na Colômbia.

---

O Partido dos Trabalhadores...apela para que às Forças Armadas Revolucionárias da Colômbia - FARC-EP libertem a senhora Ingrid Betancourt...

---

A interrupção unilateral deste processo por parte do governo Pastrana e a retomada militar das áreas anteriormente oferecidas à guerrilha representa uma escalada dos conflitos armados e de novas violações dos direitos humanos da população civil. A retirada das FARC tende a expor mais uma vez a população civil destas áreas às brutais retaliações habitualmente promovidas pelas forças paramilitares.

Estamos temerosos com os desdobramentos deste processo, em especial com a crescente intervenção articulada pelo governo americano através do chamado Plano Colômbia, que defende abertamente a solução militar que só representará mais violência e a exposição da região Amazônica aos riscos de uma indesejada intervenção estrangeira.

O PT e todos os setores democráticos da sociedade brasileira farão todos os esforços para a retomada do processo de diálogo, negociação e paz na Colômbia.

As FARC reivindicam a condição de "forças beligerantes" perante a Convenção de Genebra, um histórico instrumento do direito humanitário internacional. Neste sentido, o seqüestro da ecologista, senadora e candidata a presidência da República Ingrid Betancourt, pelo partido "Oxigênio Verde" em nada contribui para este reconhecimento e a defesa de uma solução negociada e pacífica para o impasse que atinge a nação colombiana.

A ampla repercussão e a condenação de importantes forças políticas internacionais do seqüestro da Senadora Ingrid Betancourt, incluindo expressivos segmentos do parlamento europeu e o próprio Secretário-Geral das Nações Unidas, Sr. Kofi Annam prejudicam a imagem internacional das FARC.

O Partido dos Trabalhadores que condena a ruptura unilateral das negociações pelo governo colombiano, que se mobiliza neste momento contra o Plano Colômbia e defende a retomada dos diálogos apela para que às Forças Armadas Revolucionárias da Colômbia - FARC-EP libertem a senhora Ingrid Betancourt que representaria um importante gesto político em direção à opinião pública, a solidariedade internacional e mais uma demonstração da vossa disposição de retomada das negociações de paz.

Saudações,

Aloizio Mercadante
Secretário de Relações Internacionais


Green Parties on Four Continents Call for Ingrid's Release

Global Greens publish message to FARC in major Colombian newspapers

(March 5, Bogotá) - The Green Federations of the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia-Pacific, in an unprecedented show of global Green solidarity, published a letter to FARC calling on the guerrilla movement to release kidnapped Colombian presidential candidate Íngrid Betancourt. Published in Colombia's major newspapers, the message to FARC was widely reported throughout Latin America. Here's a link to the article in El Tiempo, one of Colombia's largest newspapers (in Spanish):

http://eltiempo.terra.com.co/06-03-2002/elec180344.html

And here's the text of the message, in English, then Spanish:

GREEN PARTIES OF THE WORLD CALL FOR INGRID BETANCOURT'S FREEDOM

MESSAGE TO FARC-EP

Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia/Army of the People

Attention: Central General Staff

The Global Greens are a worldwide organization of 70 Green Parties, grouped under the Federación de Partidos Verdes de las Americas, the European Federation of Green Parties, the Fédération des Partis Écologistes d'Afrique and the Federation of Green Parties of Asia-Pacific, who are joining our voices together to send you this message of good will.

The thinking and actions of Green Parties are based on respect for life in all its forms and manifestations. The Global Greens are a worldwide pacifist and humanist political force, interested in overcoming the materialism and consumerism which have brought billions of people to live in conditions of extreme poverty and injustice, and which are also directly responsible for the environmental deterioration which puts at risk the survival of humanity.

---

Global Greens tell FARC: "Íngrid is an activist who is seriously committed to the welfare of the Colombian people and to the ideals of justice and social peace...The liberation of [Íngrid Betancourt] is, beyond an act of justice, a valuable opportunity to advance the cause of detente in your conflict."

---

Through this message from the Global Greens, directed to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia/Army of the People, we are calling on you to release Ingrid Betancourt, presidential candidate of the Green Oxygen Party/New Colombia. Ingrid is an activist who is seriously committed to the welfare of the Colombian people and to the ideals of justice and social peace; for this reason her political actions while free are of great value to the just causes of all Colombians.

We wish to clarify, for all those involved in the armed conflict, that our request is of a humanitarian nature. We hope that FARC-EP considers this a fair request, because the liberation of the presidential candidate of the Green Oxygen Party/New Colombia is, beyond an act of justice, a valuable opportunity to advance the cause of detente in your conflict. Consequently, we hope for a prompt and public reply from the General Staff of FARC-EP.

Finally, to all the people of Colombia: The Green Parties of the world, through the Global Greens, hope that very soon you will see conditions which permit progress toward a peaceful resolution of your conflicts, in a way which allows you to live in peace and harmony.

FEDERACIÓN DE PARTIDOS VERDES DE LAS AMÉRICAS
Secretario General, Jorge González Torres (México)

FÉDÉRATION DES PARTIS ÉCOLOGISTES D'AFRIQUE
Secretaire General, Adamou Garba (Niger)

EUROPEAN FEDERATION OF GREEN PARTIES
Secretary General, Arnold Cassola (Malta)

FEDERATION OF GREEN PARTIES OF ASIA-PACIFIC
Represented by Senator Bob Brown (Australia)

---

LOS PARTIDOS VERDES DEL MUNDO SOLICITAN LA LIBERACION DE INGRID BETANCOURT

MENSAJE PARA LAS FARC - EP

Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia - Ejército del Pueblo

A la atención del Estado Mayor Central

La Global Verde es un organismo mundial integrado por 70 Partidos Verdes Ecologistas, agrupados en la Federación de Partidos Verdes de las Américas, Federación Europea de Partidos Verdes, Federación de Partidos Ecologistas de Africa y Federación de Partidos Verdes de Asia - Pacífico, que unen su voz para hacer llegar este mensaje de buena voluntad.

El pensamiento y acción de los Partidos Verdes está sustentado en el respeto a la vida en todas sus formas y manifestaciones. La Global Verde es una fuerza política mundial pacifista y humanista, interesada en trascender el esquema globalizador, materialista y consumista que ha llevado a miles de millones de personas a vivir en condiciones de extrema pobreza e injusticia, siendo también directamente responsable del deterioro ambiental que pone en riesgo la supervivencia de la humanidad.

Este mensaje de la Global Verde, dirigido a las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia - Ejército del Pueblo, tiene por objeto solicitar la liberación de Ingrid Betancourt, candidata a la Presidencia del Partido Verde Oxígeno - Por una Colombia Nueva. Ingrid es una militante sinceramente comprometida con el bienestar del pueblo colombiano y con los ideales de justicia y paz social, por lo que su acción política en libertad, es de gran valor para las causas justas de todos los colombianos.

Es conveniente aclarar, a todos los involucrados en el conflicto armado, que nuestra solicitud tiene un carácter humanitario. Esperamos que la FARC - EP considere esta justa solicitud porque la liberación de la candidata a la Presidencia del Partido Verde Oxígeno - Por una Colombia Nueva, además de ser un acto de justicia, representa una valiosa oportunidad para avanzar en la distensión del conflicto. Por ello confiamos en una pronta y pública respuesta de parte del Estado Mayor de las FARC - EP.

Finalmente, a todo el pueblo de Colombia, los Partidos Verdes Ecologistas del mundo integrados en la Global Verde les deseamos que muy pronto se den las condiciones que permitan avanzar en la resolución pacífica de los conflictos que los afectan, de manera que puedan vivir en paz y armonía.

Federación de Partidos Verdes de las Américas
Secretario General, Jorge González Torres

Federación de Partidos Ecologistas de Africa
Secretario General, Adamou Garba

Federación Europea de Partidos Verdes
Secretario General, Arnold Cassola

Federación de Partidos Verdes de Asia-Pacífico
Representante, Senador Bob Brown


FARC wants prisoner exchange: would trade Ingrid and other abductees for hundreds of captured FARC cadres

FARC demands. In a CNN interview Monday (2/25/02), FARC deputy commander Fabián Ramírez indicated that Betancourt and five other hostages would be held until 200 imprisoned FARC guerrillas are released by the government. FARC is giving the government one year to meet this demand.

Ramírez reported that Betancourt was in good health and spirits, "even laughing."

Legislators and senior advisors to President Pastrana are rejecting the FARC proposal, arguing that 1) no negotiations are possible outside the framework of the now-suspended peace talks, 2) non-combatants cannot be exchanged for "criminal" or "terrorist" gunmen, and 3) such an exchange would be illegal.

Annie Goeke <ajgoeke@igc.org> - PENNSYLVANIA
Tod Sloan <todsloan@earthlink.net> - D.C.
John Rensenbrink <rensen@gwi.net> - MAINE
Tony Affigne <affigne@greens.org> - RHODE ISLAND
Julia Willebrand <jmw255@interport.net> - NEW YORK
Steve Herrick <steve-webscribe@imeme.net> - MICHIGAN
Trisha Novak <kjnovak@earthlink.net> - CONNECTICUT
Alan Kaufman <Woodingham@aol.com> - MICHIGAN

Background: Alain Lipietz diplomatic mission to Colombia

Press Release from the Office of MEP Alain Lipietz, 2 March 2002

Alain LIPIETZ à BOGOTA du 3 au 5 mars 2002

Suite à l'enlèvement d'Ingrid Betancourt, Alain Lipietz, député européen (Vert, France) se rend en Colombie et rencontrera la famille d'Ingrid ministre de l'Intérieur colombien, l'ambassadeur de France, le représentant de l'ONU, et les principaux mouvements pour la paix de la société civile

Paris, le 2 mars 2002

Suite à l'enlèvement d'Ingrid Betancourt, candidate aux élections présidentielles colombiennes pour le parti Oxígeno Verde, Alain Lipietz se rend du 3 au 5 mars 2002 en Colombie, en tant que député européen et envoyé spécial de la Fédération des Verts d'Europe. Il est porteur d'un message de soutien des Verts européens à Oxígeno Verde, et doit rencontrer, outre la famille d'Ingrid, le ministre de l'Intérieur colombien, l'ambassadeur de France, le représentant de l'ONU, et les principaux mouvements pour la paix de la société civile.

Ingrid Betancourt a prononcé le discours de clôture du Congrès des Verts mondiaux à Camberra en 2000. Elle est particulièrement populaire en France. Oxígeno Verde est l'un des rares partis colombiens à soutenir la recherche d'une paix négociée en Colombie. Le mouvement Vert européen, avec d'autres forces progressistes, anime les comités de soutien aux Droits de l'Homme et au processus de paix en Colombie. L'Union européenne -- tout particulièrement la France et le Parlement européen -- a pris ses distances avec la solution militaire dite "Plan Colombie".

Pour toutes ces raisons, l'enlèvement d'Ingrid Betancourt par les Forces armées révolutionnaires de Colombie (Farc) est totalement incompréhensible et contre-productif. C'est la pire des réponses possibles à la rupture des négociations et à l'invasion de la zone de détente décidée par le Président Pastrana. Tel est le message essentiel qu'Alain Lipietz adressera aux Farc à Bogota.

Ingrid Betancourt se rendait à San Vincente del Caguan, "capitale" de la zone de détente réoccupée par les forces gouvernementales, pour y rencontrer le maire, Nestor Ramon Ramirez, membre lui même de Oxígeno Verde. Dans cette petite ville, du temps où les Farc l'occupaient, le candidat Oxígeno Verde avait remporté l'élection municipale face aux candidats des Farc et à celui de la droite. Depuis, sa gestion avait permis d'assurer une coexistence pacifique entre les Farc et la population civile. Alain Lipietz l'avait invité au Parlement européen, le 21 mai 2001, ainsi que Diego Perez, militant colombien des Droits de l'Homme, en présence de représentants de la Commission et du Conseil européen, pour étudier les critères d'une aide de l'Europe au processus de paix en Colombie.

Conférences de presse

- dimanche 3 mars 2002 à 16h30, à l'aéroport de Bogota
- mardi 5 mars 2002, au matin.

Contact Oxígeno Verde. Tél : +57-1-310 43 35
[http://www.oxigenoverde.org/]


News Report from Agence France-Presse (Bogotá), 3 March 2002

ENLÈVEMENT BETANCOURT: "UNE AGRESSION DES FARC CONTRE LES VERTS ET L'UE," A DÉCLARÉ ALAIN LIPIETZ

BOGOTA, 3 mars (AFP) - L'enlèvement d'Ingrid Betancourt constitue "une agression des FARC contre les mouvements Verts, et de fait contre l'Union européenne" (UE), a déclaré dimanche Alain Lipietz, député européen (Verts, France), à l'AFP à Bogota. A son arrivée dans la capitale en provenance de Paris pour un séjour de 48 heures, Alain Lipietz a révélé que les Verts avaient adressé depuis l'Europe un message par courrier électronique aux Forces armées révolutionnaires de Colombie (FARC, marxistes), auteurs de la prise en otage le 24 février de la candidate des Verts colombiens "Oxygène" aux présidentielles du 26 mai.

La guérilla des FARC "est en train de s'aliéner le peu de mobilisation qui existait encore en Europe en faveur d'une paix négociée" en Colombie, tel est en substance le contenu de ce message, a précisé le député européen. L'enlèvement d'Ingrid Betancourt constitue "à la fois une agression des FARC contre les mouvements Verts, et de fait contre l'Union européenne" (UE), qui la considère comme un symbole de la lutte pour une paix négociée" en Colombie, a-t-il insisté.

"On veut faire comprendre aux FARC que le mouvement Vert international a été certainement l'une des principales forces dans le mouvement de soutien au processus de paix négociée en Colombie", a ajouté l'ex-candidat des Verts aux présidentielles françaises, avant de souligner qu'"Ingrid tout particulièrement a de forts liens avec l'Europe". Cet enlèvement est selon lui "totalement contre-productif du point de vue des FARC, puisque l'UE et le parlement européen se sont prononcés contre la version militaire du Plan Colombie, et pour maintenir jusqu'au bout le processus de paix initié par le président Andres Pastrana".

"Nous devons espérer (...) que lorsque la direction des FARC aura réfléchi à la dimension internationale de son geste, elle libérera immédiatement Ingrid Betancourt", a encore indiqué Alain Lipietz. Le député européen, qui doit rencontrer pendant son bref séjour à Bogota le ministre de l'Intérieur, Armando Estrada, viendra apporter, a-t-il déclaré, "le soutien moral des Verts européens à sa famille et à son parti Oxygène".

"On va faire tout ce qu'on peut pour la tirer de là", a-t-il enfin souligné. Le Plan Colombie évoqué par M. Lipietz vise à éradiquer les 135.000 ha de plantations de coca utilisée pour la fabrication de 580 tonnes de cocaïne par an dans le pays andin. Il est financé, à hauteur de 1,3 milliard de dollars, par une aide en majorité militaire des Etats-Unis.

Statement, Partido Verde Oxígeno - 2/27/02

Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 10:21:44 EST
From: Partido Verde Oxígeno
Subject: INGRID BETANCOURT ULTIMOS DETALLES

LA CANDIDATA PRESIDENCIAL INGRID BETANCOURT HA SIDO SECUESTRADA POR LAS FARC

DETALLES DEL SECUESTRO

Desde las pasadas elecciones de Alcaldes Municipales en las que fue elegido Nestor Leon Ramirez a nombre del Partido Verde Oxigeno que dirige Íngrid Betancourt, ella se solidarizo con la poblacion civil de San Vicente del Caguan; y se comprometio a apoyarlos y a estar con ellos en "las buenas y en las malas." Por esta razon ella viajaba en la tarde del pasado sabado 23 de febrero/02, a San Vicente, cuando fue secuestrada por las FARC.

Varios hombres impidieron su paso y la separaron de sus cuatro compañeros de viaje en un sitio ubicado entre la Montañita y Paujil.

---

Ingrid Betancourt ha sido una defensora incansable de la negociación política como única salida posible al conflicto armado que vive Colombia y ha dicho en diversas ocasiones que la violencia genera únicamente más violencia. [Ingrid Betancourt has been a tireless defender of political negotiation as the only solution to the armed conflict that Colombia has suffered and has said on many occasions that violence only produces more violence.]

---

Clara Rojas, directora de la campaña, también fue secuestrada pero fue subida a un vehiculo diferente. Los otros tres acompañantes fueron puestos en libertad pero los secuestradores no enviaron ningun mensaje con ellos.

Minutos antes de viajar desde Florencia en su encuentro con el Presidente Pastrana, la candidata le mandó pedir al Presidente a traves de uno de los Generales que acompañaban al Presidente, que por favor le diera cupo en uno de sus cuatro helicopteros en los que llevaba periodistas, o le facilitara en su calidad de candidata presidencial una forma segura de hacer el viaje, pero éste se limito a mandarle decir que no había cupo. Ella decidió entonces viajar por carretera, expresando: --a traves de Telemundo, quienes la entrevistaban--, que si algo le pasaba, la responsabilidad seria del Gobierno.

Íngrid Betancourt ha sido una defensora incansable de la negociación política como única salida al conflicto armado que vive Colombia y ha dicho en diferentes ocasiones que la violencia genera unicamente violencia.

Íngrid Betancourt es la senadora con mayor votación en la historia del país y la legítima representante de los independientes y de la franja de opinión colombiana. Ella es una mujer que ha demostrado su valentía y su apego a unos principios que considera inquebrantables. Ha sido la única política en la historia reciente del país, que ha estado dispuesta a desafiar al sistema porque su meta es: transformarlo.

Íngrid Betancourt demostró recientemente ante los periodistas americanos más reconocidos y respetados, su formación y su conocimiento de los problemas del país de una forma convincente y clara. Esta imagen contrasto profundamente con la candidata que presentan los medios colombianos que se limitan a registrar sus audaces pero legítimos mecanismos para ganarse un espacio en unas elecciones que ya muchos consideran decididas.

72 HORAS DESPUES

Vigilia en Bogota. El proximo viernes 1o. de marzo/02, todas las madres de los soldados colombianos secuestrados se reuniran frente a la sede de la campaña de Íngrid Betancourt en la carrera 7a, para celebrar una vigilia con velas prendidas para pedir por la liberacion inmediata y respeto a la vida de la candidata presidencial

LA COMUNIDAD INTERNACIONAL

El respaldo que la comunidad internacional le ha dado al caso Íngrid Betancourt, ha sido extraordinario. Grupos independientes y personalidades mundiales de paises como Francia, España, Belgica, Australia, Suecia, etc. han enviado su apoyo y solidaridad repudiando el acto y exigiendo que se garantice la vida de Íngrid Betancourt y que sea devuelta a la mayor prontitud por los secuestradores. El presidente Chirac de Francia llamo personalmente al Presidente Pastrana para hablar al respecto.

Los grupos ecologistas del mundo se estan uniendo igualmente. El Movimiento Ecologista Alternativa Verde realizo el pasado lunes 25 de febrero /02, una vigilia frente a la Embajada de Colombia en el Peru, vestidos de verde, portando banderas de paz, velas, pancartas y otros en defensa de la paz y la vida para exigir ante la opinión pública nacional e internacional se garantice la vida de la candidata ecologista a la Presidencia de Colombia, Senadora Íngrid Betancourt, Presidenta del Partido Oxígeno Verde.

El Partído Oxígeno Verde, organización eco-política, es integrante de la Federación de Partidos Verdes de las Américas.

De la misma manera, los amigos de Íngrid en el mundo internacional se han manifestado y estan enviando una carta por e-mail rechazando este hecho inaudito. Todos ellos, piden la solidariad internacional y el respeto por su vida. Lo siguiente es parte de su mensaje.

Sin duda alguna la semana más recordada de los últimos tiempos en Colombia, terminaría con una noticia muy preocupante: la desaparición de la senadora y candidata presidencial Íngrid Betancourt. Sin embargo lástimosamente ni el gobierno ni los medios le han dado trascendencia a este acontecimiento como lo ha hecho la comunidad internacional.

Sus propuestas políticas pueden gustar o no en Colombia, y esto es legítimo en una democracia, pero no hay que desconocer que Íngrid Betancourt es la política más importante de su generación. Con sus métodos poco ortodoxos, pero con mucha carga simbólica ha puesto al país a reflexionar sobre su propia realidad e idiosincracia. Esa mujer que en Europa es considerada una heroína y en Colombia es descalificada por ciertos sectores, es una pieza fundamental para la reconstrucción y la reinvención del país.

Por eso los invitamos a que escriban a la dirección de internet: ingridforpeace@hotmail.com?, demostrando asi el respaldo al pedido de que su vida se respete y sea devuelta de inmediato?.

En los Estados Unidos el popular programa de radio y television de Blanquita Cullum en Washington, envio la informacion al Secretario de Estado quien expreso que personalmente se involucrara en el caso para establecer la posicion de Estados Unidos en el secuestro de Íngrid Betancourt.

Pedimos la solidaridad de la comunidad internacional pasando este e-mail a todos sus conocidos para que sigan enviando sus firmas de respaldo: ingridforpeace@hotmail.com

THE CAMPAIGN WILL GO FORWARD!
2/26/02 Statement, Íngrid for President

[English translation by Steve Herrick]

NEW COLOMBIA
INGRID FOR PRESIDENT
Press Release

- THE PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN CONTINUES
- FAMILY OF ABDUCTEES IN SOLIDARITY WITH INGRID

The Presidential campaign of the independent candidate of New Colombia, Íngrid Betancourt, will continue. In spite of the abduction of which she has been a victim, her proposals and plans to build a New Colombia will be promoted by her team and their followers in many parts of the country. This was the decision the members of her campaign team reached in a meeting where they decided they will not kidnap democracy nor the democratic alternatives for the country.

Consequently, in Íngrid's name, her followers will continue promoting political negotiation as the only way to end the Colombian armed conflict. They will insist on promoting the plans that the candidate presented in El Caguan on February 14th, when she said "for Colombians to fall back in love with the peace process, unilateral gestures are needed. The guerrillas can free abductees and stop abducting people, and the government can create a system of subsidies for the unemployed."

The nation and the world will continue to hear the proposals contained in her program, such as in-depth political reform, including changes to the electoral system and depoliticizing justice. This would allow attacks on the links between drug trafficking and the political class, and the corrupt way the State is run. Íngrid's first measure as President will be to dissolve Congress, which was elected with cleverly corrupt laws, and hold an election of a new Congress, with new rules.

In the same way, her followers will remember that her economic proposals seek, above all, to generate employment. To this end, she will change economic policy to one that is reasonably wide fiscally and monetarily, to give tools to businesses so that they be productive and give the people more money to spend. It will also be remembered that Íngrid has proposed to reduce the value-added tax (from 16% to 10%) and the rent tax, and put public utility costs at interntational levels, among other ideas.

MOTHERS OF SOLDIERS AND POLICE IN SOLIDARITY

The voices of national and international solidarity continue to grow, speaking out against the abduction of New Colombia's independent Presidential candidate, Íngrid Betancourt.

The mothers and families of soldiers and police abducted by the guerrillas, organized as "Asfamipaz," expressed their solidarity with the family of the candidate this morning. Around 10:00 A.M., some 20 family members of abductees arrived at the headquarters of the campaign, located north of Bogota, and delivered a letter addressed to the Betancourt-Pulecio family and to the campaign companions.

The text of the letter, which was signed by president Marleny Orjuela Monajerres, and secretary HÈctor RodrÌguez, says: "Today, all our mothers, fathers, and others family members express to each one of you all our solidarity and our support in this difficult time you are going through.

We also invite you to struggle unceasingly, together with our families, the families of the members of Congress, and the family of the ex-governor of Meta, Alan Jara, for the freedom of all our loved ones, who have served Colombia in one form or another.

We know that this fight is difficult, but not impossible, because as you know, the only unsolvable problem is death.

May God strengthen our spirit and fill us with courage to seek the immediate release of our familiy members. A warm hug of solidarity.

Cordially,

Marleny Orjuela Manjares, president
HÈctor RodrÌguez, secretary


Date: Tue, 26 Feb 2002 15:55:32 -0500
From: Partido Verde Oxígeno <o2v@cable.net.co>
Subject: CAMPAÑA SIGUE, ASFAMIPAZ SE SOLIDARIZA

CAMPAÑA SIGUE, ASFAMIPAZ SE SOLIDARIZA

COLOMBIA NUEVA
INGRID PRESIDENTE
Boletín de Prensa

- LA CAMPAÑA PRESIDENCIAL CONTINUA
- FAMILIARES DE SECUESTRADOS SE SOLIDARIZAN CON INGRID

CAMPAÑA CONTINÚA. La campaña presidencial de la candidata independiente por Colombia Nueva, Íngrid Betancourt, continuará. A pesar del secuestro de que ella ha sido víctima, sus propuestas y planteamientos para construir una Colombia Nueva serán promovidos por su equipo y sus seguidores en diversas partes del país. Así lo decidieron los miembros de su equipo de campaña después de una reunión en la que concluyeron que no dejarán secuestrar la democracia ni las alternativas democráticas para el país.

En consecuencia, a nombre de Íngrid, sus seguidores seguirán promoviendo la defensa de la negociación política como única salida al conflicto armado colombiano, insistirán en los planteamientos que la candidata presentó en el Caguán el pasado 14 de febrero, cuando dijo: "para volver a enamorar a los colombianos del proceso de paz se necesitan gestos unilaterales, el de la guerrilla puede ser la liberación de los secuestrados y el cese de los secuestros y el del gobierno la creación de una sistema de subsidio al desempleo".

En el territorio nacional y en el mundo entero se seguirán escuchando propuestas contenidas en su programa de Gobierno como la necesidad de hacer una reforma política a fondo, en la que se incluyan cambios al sistema electoral, que acabe con la politización de la justicia, que permita atacar los vínculos del narcotráfico con la clase política y las prácticas corruptas en el manejo del Estado. Para ello la primera medida será revocar el Congreso elegido con las mismas reglas de juego amañadas y elegir uno nuevo con nuevas reglas.

Así mismo, sus seguidores recordarán que su propuesta económica busca ante todo generar empleo. Para ello cambiará la política económica para aplicar una que sea razonablemente expansiva en lo fiscal y lo monetario, que dé herramientas a las empresas para que sean productivas y permita a la gente tener más dinero para gastar. En ese sentido se recordará que Íngrid propuso reducir los impuestos del IVA (del 16 al 10%) y el de renta, acabar con el tres por mil y poner las tarifas de servicios públicos a los niveles internacionales, entre otras cosas.

MADRES DE SOLDADOS Y POLICÍAS SE SOLIDARIZAN

Siguen creciendo las voces de solidaridad nacional e internacional contra el secuestro de la candidata independiente a la presidencia por Colombia Nueva, Íngrid Betancourt.

Las madres y familiares de los soldados y policías secuestrados por la guerrilla, asociados en Asfamipaz, expresaron esta mañana su solidaridad con la familia de la candidata. Cerca de las 10:00 a.m. llegaron a la sede de la campaña, ubicada al norte de Bogotá, 20 familiares de los uniformados secuestrados y entregaron una carta dirigida a la familia Betancourt Pulecio y a los acompañantes de la campaña.

El texto, firmado por Marleny Orjuela Monajerres, presidenta y Héctor Rodríguez, secretario, dice: "Hoy, todas nuestras madres, padres de familia y demás familiares, expresamos a cada uno de ustedes, toda nuestra solidaridad y nuestro apoyo en este difícil momento por el que están pasando.

De igual manera, los invitamos a luchar de manera indeclinable, junto a nuestras familias, a las familias de los congresistas, y a la familia del señor ex gobernador del Meta, Alan Jara, para lograr la libertad de todos nuestros seres queridos, quienes de una u otra forma le han servido a la patria colombiana.

Sabemos que esta lucha es difícil, pero no imposible; porque ustedes saben, que lo único que no tiene solución, es la muerte.

Dios fortalezca nuestro espíritu, y nos llene de valor, para encontrar pronto la libertad de todos nuestros familiares.

Un cariñoso y solidario abrazo.

Cordialmente,
Marleny Orjuela Manjares, presidente
Héctor Rodríguez, secretario


News report from Colombia:

Government won't swap prisoners, won't rescue Betancourt; meanwhile, armed conflict between government and rebel troops intensifies

COLOMBIA RULES OUT PRISONER SWAP

February 26, 2002
Posted: 2:31 PM EST (1931 GMT)

SAN VICENTE DEL CAGUAN, Colombia (AP) -- Colombia's government on Tuesday ruled out swapping captured rebels for a kidnapped presidential candidate, and the rebels responded to an army offensive by killing three soldiers and destroying power lines, roads and bridges.

Íngrid Betancourt was kidnapped by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, at a roadblock in a war zone Saturday. The rebels had reportedly offered to free her and other kidnapped politicians in exchange for the release of imprisoned guerrillas. The FARC is holding five members of congress, in addition to Betancourt.

"The government does not see the possibility of carrying on swap negotiations," Interior Minister Armando Estrada said Tuesday. "Prisoner exchanges are done between equals, between combatants. She was not a combatant, nor are the lawmakers."

Meanwhile, military operations to search for Betancourt, who is a candidate for the small Oxygen-Green party, have been suspended on the family's request for fear they could put her life in danger, said Betancourt campaign spokeswoman Diana Rodriguez.

On Monday, an army soldier was killed after troops fired at rebels tampering with power lines, and the rebels responded. Two other soldiers died trying to defuse a bomb on a bus blocking a highway.

In Bogota, 190 miles north of the war zone, guerrillas detonated a bomb at a reservoir serving the capital city. The attack didn't affect water supplies, Mayor Antanas Mockus said.

"This is the kind of thing that even countries fighting other countries don't do," the disgusted mayor said.

In 1998, the government gave the FARC a Switzerland-sized parcel of land to lure the nation's largest rebel group into peace talks. But when the FARC hijacked a civilian airliner last week and kidnapped a senator, President Andres Pastrana canceled talks, ordered the rebels out of the zone and sent his troops in.

Since then, rebels have toppled utility pylons both inside and outside the zone in southern Colombia, blacking out or forcing electricity rationing in at least 56 towns, the energy ministry said.

San Vicente del Caguan -- the former rebel capital that was the first town occupied by the army on Saturday -- has been among those hit the hardest. A downed bridge and rebel roadblocks have virtually isolated the sweltering town. Food stocks are dwindling and drinking water is scarce.

Mayor Nestor Ramirez declared a local state of emergency and asked troops to supply his town of 22,000 by using military helicopters.

Fearing rebel attacks, the government temporarily suspended flights by an air force-owned airline to the nearest city, Florencia. Rebel roadblocks also make the road to Florencia dangerous.

"The situation generated by the violence of the past few days took us by surprise," said Ramirez.

Troops occupied the former rebel town of Vista Hermosa on Sunday, only to find that guerrillas downed a nearby utility tower and blacked out the town. Parts of eastern Ecuador also experienced blackouts.

Rebels planted land mines around the wreckage, hampering repairs.

The FARC has blown up 11 bridges since Thursday, disrupting transportation in southern Colombia.

Colombian news media reported Monday that the FARC executed five people in La Macarena, which the army had yet to reach. The reasons for the killings were not known.

Pastrana was reviewing the volatile situation with his Cabinet and "looking for other ways to stop the terrorism and abductions," Justice Minister Romulo Gonzalez said.

In Washington, President Bush's national security aides planned to meet this week to discuss helping Colombia's military.

U.S. intelligence sharing is being increased and deliveries of spare parts for U.S. helicopters are being accelerated. Officials also were addressing an existing ban on U.S. military assistance for anything other than counter-narcotics activities.

The FARC, a smaller rebel group called the ELN and right-wing paramilitary forces known as the AUC are on the State Department's list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations.

Betancourt's kidnapping aroused international concern for the security of candidates in the March legislative elections and May 26 presidential vote.

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan condemned Betancourt's kidnapping, saying it undermines upcoming elections.

Copyright 2002 The Associated Press


Press Release from Íngrid Betancourt's Campaign Organization

February 25, 2002
NEW COLOMBIA
INGRID FOR PRESIDENT
Press Release

GOVERNMENT MUST ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY

The Presidential campaign of independent candidate for the New Colombia party, Íngrid Betancourt, announces its surprise at the declarations of two national government spokespersons, the Minister of the Interior, Armando Estrada, and the Minister of Justice, RÛmulo Gonz·lez, who have expressed in various ways that Íngrid is responsible for having been kidnapped.

We call on the government to assume its responsibility to seek freedom for Íngrid, not only because it is its obligation to guarantee the free exercise of democracy and the development of Presidential campaigns, but also it was because of its negligence that the candidate had to travel by land towards San Vicente del Cagu·n, which lead to her kidnapping.

The government has behaved like a dictatorship, saying Íngrid is responsible for her own luck. In a democracy, the government takes responsibility for its citizens.

The candidate was trying to fulfill her promises to the people of San Vicente del Cagu·n, made near the end of 2000, when she said she would accompany them "through the good and the bad." Since that time, Íngrid traveled to the zone of Cagu·n several times and was constantly informed on the situation through mayor NÈstor LeÛn RamÌrez, who was elected as a candidate of the Green Oxygen Party, which she directs.

The national government did not provide her with the means to reach San Vicente del Cagu·n in a secure manner. In the interests of full information, we will recount what happened in the Florencia (Caquet·) airport between 9:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 23, the day of the kidnapping.

9:00 A.M. Candidate Íngrid Betancourt arrives at the airport from Neiva. Major Rubiano of the Florencia Police gives her a desciption of the public order situation in the zone.

9:30 A.M. The same Major Rubiano offers to request a helicopter for her from the National Army, which has control of the zone. He even offers to take her and her entourage in groups, if it was not possible to go in one flight.

10:30 A.M. A Hercules airplane lands at the airport, carryong foriegn journalists. Íngrid speaks with Army Colonel PÈrez Leiseca, and says that if the foreign press is given guarantees of safety, it is inconceivable that Presidential candidates are not.

11:00 A.M. Íngrid speaks with Army General Arcesio Barrero, who insists on the possibility of travel by helicopter. The general, who is passing through Florencia, says he will try to do something.

11:30 A.M. President AndrÈs Pastrana arrives at the Florencia airport and sets out for San Vicente del Cagu·n. Íngrid tries to get near enough to speak to him, but the security line does not permit this. The candidate and her entourage gesture and wave to the President. The President sees them and waves back, as he walks out to a helicopter that would take him to San Vicente.

1:00 P.M. Íngrid hopes that one of the promises made by the Army will come true, but they turn out to be impossible. She decides to go by land, and the DAS provides her with a truck for this purpose.

Given all this, it is inconceivable that the national government would say that Íngrid was asking for it, but even its Presidential candidate, Juan Camilo Restrepo, affirms that she set herself up to be kidnapped.

The world is watching to see if this is a true democracy, and proving it will depend on the ability of President Pastrana and his administration to bring Íngrid back alive.

Finally, we ask the kidnappers, the government, and all Colombians, whom does this crime benefit? Against whom has Íngrid fought constantly throughout her political life?

25 February 2002
(Translation by Steve Herrick)

Page Compiled by Tony Affigne UPDATED : 3/14/03 Links to News from Colombia (in Spanish) El Tiempo El Espectador Diario El Pais El Mundo El Colombiano

Contributions and Translations

Raphael Thierrin, Canada
Armand Burguet, Belgium
Paul Bruce, New Zealand
Trisha Novak, United States
Flor de María Hurtado, Perú
Rosalind Fielder, United States
Arnold Cassola, Malta/Belgium
Steve Herrick, United States/Nicaragua
Olga Torres, United States
Alan Kobrin, United States
Perline, France
Bob Burton, Australia
Margaret Blakers, Australia
Annie Goeke, United States
Brian Walters, Australia
Alvaro Soto, Colombia
Marelby Agattón, Colombia
Cameron Spitzer, United States
Carla Grieger, México
Natalia Escudero Barrera, México
Alan Kaufman, United States

Gracias, Thank You, Merci!