Attack in Colombia Highlights Dangers Faced by Western Hemisphere Democracies, Must be Condemned, Ros-Lehtinen Says

Statement

U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement condemning the recent attack in Bogota, Colombia that injured former Interior Minister Londoño and killed two in his protective detail. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:

"I strongly condemn this brutal attack against peace, stability and democracy in Colombia. The cowardly act in Bogota was carried out to punish the Colombian people for their embrace of democracy and the rule of law.

"This attack, like the killings perpetrated by the drug cartels in Mexico, reminds us of the imminent dangers faced by democratically-elected governments in the region, and demonstrates the need for security partnerships in order to protect our own national security and support our key democratic partners in the Western Hemisphere.

"Many ominous signs are emerging from the region including increased narco-terrorism, growing Iranian influence, nationalization of private industries, and constant attacks against individual rights and press freedoms.

"Responsible nations have an obligation to strengthen our ties with democratic allies so that democracy and liberty can triumph over these thugs."

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