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September 29, 2010

Ousted Colombian Senator Vows to Continue Mediation Efforts
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The prominent Colombian Senator Piedad Córdoba has spoken out about her
removal from the Colombian Senate and eighteen-year ban from public
office. Colombia’s Inspector General ousted Córdoba this week for
allegedly aiding members of the FARC, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of
Colombia. Córdoba has been a leading critic of former Colombia president
Álvaro Uribe and the US-backed drug war in Colombia. Her mediation
efforts have helped free hostages held by the FARC. On Tuesday, Córdoba
vowed to remain involved in talks with the rebels.

Colombian Senator Piedad Córdoba: "To all the hostages in the world and
in the country, to all those hostages of the FARC and the ELN, they have
to be completely sure that this will not make us retreat, this will not
intimidate us, that this will not scare me, that we will not leave the
families alone. And to those who are listening to me in the jungle, you
can be sure that even if it comes to that point and I go to jail, from
jail my voice will be heard, sovereign, strong, to insist on the
necessity of the humanization and the need for peace."



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