State Department statement on death of FARC hostages, May 6, 2003

State Department statement on death of FARC hostages, May 6, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 6, 2003

STATEMENT BY RICHARD BOUCHER, SPOKESMAN

MURDER OF COLOMBIAN GOVERNOR GUILLERMO GAVIRIA OF ANTIOQUIA PROVINCE, AND FORMER DEFENSE MINISTER AND PEACE ADVISER GILBERTO ECHEVERRI

We are appalled and deeply saddened to learn of the cold-blooded murders of Governor Guillermo Gaviria, former Defense Minister and Peace Adviser Gilberto Echeverri, and eight captive soldiers by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) May 5, 2003. Governor Gaviria and Mr. Echeverri had been kidnapped on April 21, 2002, while participating in a peace march in Antioquia. We extend our condolences to their families and friends.

This action demonstrates the FARC's brutality and indifference to those courageous Colombians who seek peace and a negotiated resolution to Colombia's longstanding internal conflict.

As of May 9, 2003, this document was also available online at http://usinfo.state.gov/admin/011/lef308.htm