And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: X-Sender: [EMAIL PROTECTED] X-Mailer: QUALCOMM Windows Eudora Pro Version 3.0.3 (32) Date: Tue, 09 Mar 1999 00:01:38 -0800 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: Robert Dorman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: State Dept. on Colombia Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Note that every time the State Dept. was asked for proof, the reply was the same rehersed non-answer: "We strongly condemn the FARC for these brutal murders and demand that they immediately turn over those responsible to the Colombian Government." Obviously, they have no proof. Now maybe the FARC did do it, and maybe they didn't, but for a government, whose justice system is supposed to be based upon "innocent until proven guilty," there is something wrong with this picture! Even if the Colombian government throws us a few sacrificial lambs with signed confessions, could we really believe them? DEPARTMENT OF STATE DAILY PRESS BRIEFING INDEX Monday, March 8, 1999 Briefer: James P. Rubin <snip> QUESTION: On Colombia, last Friday you said that FARC had not only kidnapped but killed the three Americans citizens in the country. Can you share with us the evidence you have to think so; and are you still thinking the same way? MR. RUBIN: Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to the family and friends of the three American hostages who were kidnapped February 25 in Colombia and whose bodies were found in Venezuela on March 4. We have no additional information on the murder of Terence Freitas, Ingrid Washinawatok and Laheenae Gay of Hawaii, who were affiliated with American NGO environmental and indigenous rights organizations working on education progress projects with the Indians there. True to form, the FARC continues to deny responsibility for its action. When the FARC has killed or kidnapped other American citizens, they also denied responsibility for their actions. In the case of the kidnapping of the three American New Tribes missionaries, we have concrete information that the FARC was responsible, contrary to their denials. In another case, we also have concrete proof that the FARC killed two American citizens. So we're not surprised that they have denied responsibility. QUESTION: They come in three days and tell us a different story from that because they are investigated by their own selves. Does the United States have enough evidence to still think that they were the ones who committed those assassinations? MR. RUBIN: We strongly condemn the FARC for these brutal murders and demand that they immediately turn over those responsible to the Colombian Government. We call upon the government of Colombia to arrest and extradite to the United States those responsible for this cowardly act of international terrorism. QUESTION: (Inaudible.) MR. RUBIN: Let me say that we met with the FARC at the suggestion of the Colombian Government, and we've made it very clear to them our position on a number of matters. We decided a meeting with serve our interests by providing a strong message to end the practice of kidnapping citizens, fully accounting for the missing. In light of the recent events, is hard to imagine another meeting unless they do bring those responsible to justice. QUESTION: There are reports that the Colombian Government intercepted, I believe, radio messages between those who had captured these Americans and commanders and that the order was given to kill them. Do you take these reports as being credible? MR. RUBIN: I have no information on radio intercepts. QUESTION: But does the US Government or does Colombia -- has Colombia presented evidence that would constitute a smoking gun in the linking of FARC leadership to these killings, this massacre? MR. RUBIN: We strongly condemn the FARC for these brutal murders and demand that they immediately turn over those responsible to the Colombian Government. I'm not sure I'm going to have much more to assist you, but I'm happy to take your questions. QUESTION: On what grounds are you asking for the extradition of those people? As far as I know, it is a crime committed in Colombia by Colombians. So I don't see extradition for - MR. RUBIN: We're calling on the government of Colombia to arrest and extradite to the United States those responsible. If they arrested them, they can make the decision to extradite them. QUESTION: On the statement last Friday, it was mentioned just the FARC. An interview with relatives or friends of Mr. Freitas on Saturday in New York, they tell us personally that he had received threats from the paramilitary groups in California. Do you have any comments on this? MR. RUBIN: I don't have any information on that. I'll have to check it for you. QUESTION: (Inaudible) -- international extradition laws, would it make a difference if they were killed in Venezuela or Colombia? Apparently, news reports are saying - MR. RUBIN: I'd have to ask our lawyers. ************************************ Bob Dorman [EMAIL PROTECTED] The Activist Page http://www.theofficenet.com/%7Eredorman/welcome.html Also, for great internet tools please visit: http://www.msw.com.au/cgi-bin/msw/entry?id=1271 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit) Unenh onhwa' Awayaton http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/ &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
