Obama Press Release: Statement On The Release of Hostages in Colombia

[Obama Press Release from July 2, 2008]

Statement of Senator Barack Obama on the Release of Hostages in Colombia

“I join with the families and the American people in celebrating the wonderful news that these three American citizens – Marc Gonsalves, Thomas Howes, and Keith Stansell – have been released from the terrorist organization that held them hostage for so many years, along with former Colombian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt and eleven other Colombian hostages. We look forward to their speedy reunion with their loved ones, who have suffered so much through this ordeal.

“I strongly support Colombia’s steady strategy of making no concessions to the FARC, and its targeted use of intelligence, military, law enforcement, diplomatic, and political power to achieve important victories against terrorism. I congratulate President Uribe and the Colombian government, express my gratitude for everyone who aided in this rescue, and will do everything that I can to assure the success of future efforts to free the FARC’s hostages and to defeat this terrorist organization.”