July 4, 2008 (LPAC)--In statements today, former FARC hostage Ingrid Betancourt sent a pointed message to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa, urging them to "help to reestablish ties of friendship, fraternity and confidence in President Uribe." She also called on Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner to join the effort.
Over the past year, following the British Empire's game-plan, Chavez's provocative dealings with the FARC, disregarding President Uribe and Colombian sovereignty, brought relations between the two countries to the breaking point. Ecuador and Colombia still haven't restored diplomatic relations, following the break that occurred after Colombian troops entered Ecuador last March and killed FARC kingpin Raul Reyes.
Reestablishing confidence and ties of friendship is crucial, Betancourt said. "It is an essential step that would allow us to envision new unilateral liberations" of other FARC hostages. But, she strongly cautioned, while Chavez and Correa are important allies, their participation must be contingent on "respecting Colombian democracy." Remember, she said, "Colombians elected Alvaro Uribe, not the FARC." Those who wish to aid Colombia, must do so with the understanding that they are helping us to free kidnap victims, not strengthening war in Colombia."
Referring to her own race for President in 2002, she said "Thank God it was Uribe, and not me, who became President," and could carry out this rescue operation. Since his reelection, he hasn't given the FARC a moment of peace, she said. He did what was necessary for the country.
Chavez did call Uribe by phone on July 2 to congratulate him on the bold rescue operation, and the two will reportedly meet soon. But the statement issued by the Venezuelan Foreign Minister plays up the "intense efforts" made by Chavez in seeking a humanitarian release of FARC hostages. President Correa has not said one word about the rescue, leaving his Foreign Minister and Minister of Internal and External Affairs to make public statements, neither of which mentioned Uribe specifically.
