That was the message of the Press Secretary, César Mauricio Velásquez, who also said that the President will make an announcement soon. “That organization is important, it is necessary in a democracy and inside intelligence agencies. It has to be reinforced, purified.”

Bogotá, February 24th (SP). The Press Secretary of the Presidency of Colombia, César Mauricio Velásquez, said today that the Government is concerned about the situation around The Department of Administrative Security (DAS), and is going to look for disciplinary actions and strength the institution.

 “Different versions have been heard about the future of the DAS. It is certain that the Government’s disquiet is about looking for measures and the strengthening of the organization for the good of democracy.” said Velasquez to the journalists.

The Press Secretary highlighted that the important and urgent thing is to reinforce and purify this institution, about which President Uribe will express himself. “The President will talk soon, that organization is important, it is necessary in a democracy and inside intelligence agencies. It has to be reinforced, purified.”, he pointed.

The Department of Administrative Security (DAS) is facing allegations of improper eavesdropping on journalists, Supreme Court judges and opposition members this week.

A local magazine called “Semana”, published an article about unauthorized wiretapping, involving the DAS and until now the agency’s deputy director and two more top deputies resigned from the institution.