Patriotism finally growing in Colombia

The National Press Club Newsmaker Program held a news conference to discuss the recent rescue of FARC-held hostages in Colombia, and how the Colombian government is regaining control of its national territory. Colombian Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos explained that on July 2, 2008, fifteen total hostages were rescued, including three Americans, in an unprecedented operation -- it was a clean and pure operation where not a single shot was fired and not a single drop of blood was shed.

Santos said that he came to Washington, D.C. because it was the first time in many years that he had good news to bring from Colombia. He gave credit to President Uribe and the people in the Colombian armed forces for the success of the operation, saying that without “their courage, determination, and audacity” the operation would not have been possible. Santos explained that even though this operation was planned, launched, and executed directly by Colombia, indirect help from the U.S. contributed greatly to its success. He said that Colombia’s armed forces were trained by the U.S. and Colombia’s intelligence operations were strengthened by the U.S.

Santos said that Colombia decided to go forward with the operation because there was “almost zero” risk for the hostages. The operation team consisted of only nine members who claimed to represent a false organization. Santos explained that these men and women were unarmed, giving FARC no reason to retaliate against the hostages if something went wrong.

Santos said he was very thrilled with the operation’s outcome and the effect it had on the Colombian people. He explained that this past Sunday, millions upon millions of Colombians were out in the streets screaming and protesting for freedom for the remaining FARC hostages. This patriotism, Santos said, was something very new for Colombia, and was the first time in years that the Colombian people realized they were “free from fear.” Santos said that Colombia needs to continue to persevere and continue to use a strategy that is working. He said that FARC realizes that if they don’t negotiate with the Colombian government now, they will have no bargaining chips in the future. Santos closed in saying that he truly was very happy with the operation and will continue to work to achieve “dignified peace” in Colombia.

Hispanic business leaders discuss, support Colombian Free Trade Agreement

A group of high ranking senators, governors and officials from the American Hispanic community met today to discuss what needs to be done to ensure that the Colombian Free Trade Agreement gets passed by the House of Representatives in the near future.

Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL) talked about how Hispanic leaders from around the country will be joining together to launch a grassroots campaign supporting the agreement. During the Hispanic leaders’ media press conference following their roundtable discussion, Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez said that holding up the agreement was a “big mistake” both for economic reasons and national security concerns as well. Speakers at the press conference agreed that the issue was vital for the Hispanic community in America as a whole.

Senator Jon Cornyn (R-TX) explained how it was important we support the bill also to back President Alvaro Uribe in Colombia, not the controversial Hugo Chavez.

International pop star lobbies for global education

Shakira- an international pop music performer, originally from Colombia attended a press conference with the Global Campaign for Education on Capitol Hill in Washington DC.