Brady Introduces Bill Commending Colombia on Bloodless Rescue

Press Release

BRADY INTRODUCES BILL COMMENDING COLOMBIA ON BLOODLESS RESCUE

Applauds Success in Freeing Hostages from FARC Terrorist Group

Today, Congressman Kevin Brady (R-Texas) introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives commending the Republic of Colombia and President Alvaro Uribe for the successful rescue mission of long-held hostages - including three Americans - being detained by the Colombian terrorist organization, FARC.

"The whole world cheered when the Colombian military succeeded in freeing the hostages without a shot being fired. This was yet another milestone by the Uribe administration in bringing Columbia to a safe, thriving democracy, and it is appropriate for this Congress to recognize Colombia and the great strides they are making to combat the violence that once enveloped their nation."

The nature of the rescue mission had Colombian military agents posing as rebels, convincing the FARC they were moving hostages to another location only to then free all 15 hostages without firing a shot. Three American defense contractors Marc Gonsalves, Keith Stansell, and Thomas Howes, as well as Colombian ex-presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt were among the hostages freed.

"President Uribe has consistently been a good friend to America and it is times like these we must recognize the good work being done during his term. This historic rescue demonstrates a weakening of the FARC and a strengthening of Colombia's democracy."

The key points of this resolution included not only thanking Colombia for the return of the American hostages, but also commending the Colombian military on their success, praising President Alvaro Uribe for his leadership, expressing a reconfirmed sense of friendship between the United States and the Republic of Colombia, and finally calling upon FARC to release all remaining hostages and cease their hostilities immediately.

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