Foreign,Commonwealth and Development Office
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Dr Howells statement on rescue of hostages in Colombia
The news that Ingrid Betancourt and fourteen other captives are now safe comes as an enormous relief. Kidnapping is a despicable crime and the hostages had been held in inhumane conditions for many years. The Prime Minister has offered his congratulations to President Uribe and his government. Illegal armed groups like the FARC can play no positive role in Colombia, and the UK will continue to offer whatever help it can to promote lasting peace in that country. The time has come to consign to history gangs like FARC who kill, kidnap and traffic drugs. Colombia deserves to be free of these horrors and the brave rescue of the hostages is a welcome symbol of the desire of the Colombian people to see democracy and the rule of law replace the terrorism of armed groups.
Press Office, Downing Street (West), London SW1A 2AL
