Organization of American States (OAS), Secretary General, Jose Miguel Insulza, congratulated the Government of President Álvaro Uribe, of Colombia, for the flawless intelligence operation which culminated in the bloodless rescue of fifteen individuals kept hostage for many years by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

In expressing his happiness for the conclusion of a human drama that affected so many families, and still impinge on so many others, Insulza stressed the need to continue fighting against the use of all types of violence. “We celebrate the freedom of the hostages, for them, for their families and for all the people of Colombia. Their liberation embodies the goals of peace that our Organization fights for,” he said.

Secretary General Insulza, who has condemned the kidnappings and called for their liberation of hostages since the beginning of his administration, said that in his opinion “the operation carried out by Colombian Armed Forces today is another step in the peace process of this great country that constantly strives for harmony, peace and freedom and that surely will continue its fight until all hostages are released.”

Reference: E-261/08