Greens Urge Brazil's President to Intervene on Behalf of Captive Greens in Colombia.

From the International Committee, Green Party of the United States
February 28, 2003

GREEN PARTY of the UNITED STATES 
1314 18th St. NW 
Washington, DC 20036

Excelentissimo Senhor 
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva 
Presidente do Brasil 
Palacio do Planalto 
70150-900 Brasilia - DF 
Brasil

Excelentissimo Senhor Presidente:

One year ago, on 23 February 2002, FARC guerrillas in Colombia kidnapped Ingrid Betancourt, Partido Verde Oxigeno de Colombia presidential candidate, and Clara Rojas, her campaign manager, as they traveled to San Vicente del Caguan to campaign for the presidential elections. There has been no new information about their safety since mid-2002 when former Senator Betancourt appeared on a video sent from the Colombian jungle.

To date, Colombian government measures, and the efforts of Ingrid's supporters around the world, have failed to secure the release of these women, whose work has been so vital to the interests of the Colombian people.

Senhor Presidente, as the leading advocate for peace and social justice for the people of Latin America, we implore you to use your good offices, intervening with Colombian Presidente Uribe Velez, and with FARC, to bring about the release of Ingrid Betancourt and Clara Rojas.

When FARC first abducted Ingrid and Clara, the guerrillas told the world they would only hold the two women for one year. Ingrid's family, friends and supporters are thus very concerned for her safety, and we know you feel the same urgency we do, that now is the time to do whatever we can to secure their release.

These courageous women have touched the lives of people around the world. All of us will be immensely grateful for your efforts to free Ingrid and Clara.

With respect,
Green Party of the United States Co-Chairs:
Jo Chamberlain - Green Party of California 
Badili Jones - Georgia Green Party 
Ben Manski - Wisconsin Green Party 
Barbara Payne - Pacific Green Party of Oregon 
Anita Rios - Green Party of Ohio 

Co-Chairs - Green Party International Committee:
Anne Goeke - Maryland Green Party 
Tod Sloan - Oklahoma Green Party 

Delegados de EEUU - Federacion de Partidos Verdes de las Americas:
Tony Affigne - Green Party of Rhode Island 
Julia Willebrand - Green Party of New York State 

Prepared by the International Committee of the Green Party of the United States

www.gp.org/committees/intl 


Office: PO Box 57065 Washington, D.C. 20037 
Email: GPHQ--at--gp.org 202-319-7191 or toll-free (US): 866-41GREEN