CP/DEC. 37 (1601/07)

DECLARATION ON THE ASSASSINATION
OF THE COLOMBIAN DEPUTIES KIDNAPPED BY THE FARC

(Adopted at its meeting held on June 29, 2007)
 

THE PERMANENT COUNCIL OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES,

DEEPLY SHOCKED by the news of the assassination of 11 Colombian deputies, kidnapped more than five years ago by that armed group;

RECALLING that a significant number of kidnapped persons are still being held by illegal groups in Colombia; and

UNDERSCORING the need for full observance of international human rights law and international humanitarian law,

DECLARES:

1. Its strongest condemnation of the assassination of the Colombian deputies.

2. Its solidarity with, and its most sincere condolences to, the families affected by this horrendous crime; and calls for the immediate return of the bodies of the 11 assassinated deputies.

3. That kidnapping is a heinous crime; and urges the illegal groups to release immediately, safe and sound, all the kidnapped persons.

4. Its recognition of the readiness of the Government of Colombia to establish an international fact-finding commission.

5. Its support for the efforts made by the Government of Colombia for the purpose of facilitating the release of the kidnapped persons still held by illegal groups.