MAYORS OFFER SYMPATHY AND SUPPORT TO PRESIDENT URIBE

Bogotá, 28 June (MRE). The mayors of Colombia expressed their “sympathy and support” to President Álvaro Uribe, and lamented the death in captivity of 11 members of the Valle del Cauca parliament.

“The Colombian Federation of Municipalities, in name of the local leaders of Colombia, expresses their sympathy and support towards you, Mr. President, during these very harsh times for the country and for the families of the kidnapped, in particular, the relatives of the Valle del Cauca members of parliament”, said Gilberto Toro, director of the organization in a letter addressed to the President.

In the letter, the mayors recognize the sense of responsibility and resolve to confront with the truth and acts of Government, situations like the assassinations of the members of parliament.

They also highlighted that the country should unite around the institutions and uphold democracy and made an invitation to all citizens: “The mayors of Colombia invite the Colombian people to not be fooled and surround the Head of State during this exceptional time which demands national unity”.

They finally requested the terrorist group, FARC, to “tell the Colombian people the whole truth” in regards to what happened to the members of parliament and demanded “the immediate release and without conditions of all hostages”.