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OAS SECRETARY GENERAL CONDEMNS ASSASINATIONS OF COLOMBIAN LAWMAKERS

  June 28, 2007

*Calls on the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) to provide their version of the events to an international committee
* Permanent Council to hold special session tomorrow


The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, expressed today his strongest rejection and condemnation for the assassination of eleven hostage Colombian legislators, reported by the FARC a few hours ago by a source that offers no credibility.

Insulza also called on the illegal armed group to provide their version of the events to a special international committee in order to determine the truth of the crimes committed.

Secretary General Insulza said that the first available information of the tragic events that took place in Valle del Cauca show that there has been a cold blooded murder against people held hostage, denying the basic values of respect to the human being.

Insulza described the tragedy as one of the most serious obstacles imposed on the peace process in Colombia. He also reiterated the hemispheric Organization’s commitment with the peace process, justice, truth and reconciliation in Colombia and again demanded the release of the hostages and the start of negotiations in good faith to put an end to the prolonged armed conflict in that loved nation.

Finally, Secretary General Insulza announced that the Permanent Council was convened for a special session tomorrow Friday at 10:30 am, to address the events facing the South American country.

Reference: E-160/07