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Updated:10/29/03 |
| Letter
from four U.S. Senate Democrats to Secretary of State Colin Powell, September
30, 2003 September 30, 2003 The Honorable
Colin L. Powell Dear Secretary Powell, As you know, we have been strong supporters of United States assistance to strengthen democracy and the rule of law in Colombia. In light of our continuing concerns for the future of that nation, we would like to call your attention to two disturbing developments, as well as share some concerns regarding the United States' official response. During the week of September 8th, preexisting tensions between Colombian President Alvaro Uribe and the Colombian human rights community broke out into the open when a coalition of 80 human rights and other non-governmental organizations published a highly critical account of his presidency. In response, President Uribe used his platform at the inauguration of the new head of the Colombian Air Force to accuse "some" human rights groups and non-governmental organizations of defending terrorists and being "terrorist spokespeople." Given Colombia's charged climate, we are concerned that such an accusation endangers the lives of members of human rights groups, representatives of humanitarian agencies, and other non-governmental leaders. Several
other members of President Uribe's cabinet have made similar comments. Of equal concern is a proposal before the Colombian Congress, which would grant near total amnesty to paramilitary leaders. We recognize that negotiations to disarm the paramilitaries will require concessions. However, we can not support granting amnesty to paramilitary leaders who were involved in planning or directing massacres, assassinations, and large-scale drug trafficking. Furthermore, it is essential that paramilitaries of all ranks who have obtained property by violent displacement of people do not profit from their crimes. The Washington Post reported on September 20th that paramilitaries are using threats of violence to encourage the cheap sale of property prior to a peace accord. In addition, a September 15th article from the New York Times stated that drug traffickers are buying their way into paramilitary organizations in order to benefit from a possible amnesty. To that end, we are concerned that amnesty for paramilitary leaders such as Castaño, Mancuso, and others would send a message that human rights abuses and trafficking have no consequences, thus laying the groundwork for a new cycle of violence and crime. We were disturbed to read in the New York Times on September 15th that the United States government had provided advice regarding this law. We would be interested to hear the State Department's perspectives on this matter, as well as whether the United States will continue to seek vigorously the extradition of paramilitary leaders currently under indictment in America. In order to help address this matter, we respectfully recommend that you direct the United States Ambassador to Colombia to issue a public statement expressing concern with President Uribe's recent remarks We would also ask that he meet in the near future with Colombian human rights groups and continue to do so regularly. We believe it is crucial that the State Department and our Embassy formally reassure the Colombian people and the international community of the United States' conviction that human rights defenders and other nongovernmental organizations have legitimate and important contributions to make towards Colombia's civic life. Thank you for your attention to these important matters. Sincerely, Christopher
J. Dodd Russell
Feingold Patrick
Leahy John Kerry |
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