Colombian President Calls Human Rights Groups Mouthpieces for Terrorists

[Judi Lynn]

Colombian President Calls Human Rights Groups Mouthpieces for Terrorists
By Margarita Martinez Associated Press Writer
Published: Sep 8, 2003


BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) - President Alvaro Uribe on Monday said human rights groups critical of his crackdown on leftist rebels are cowards and terrorist sympathizers.
Uribe's sharp words, delivered during a speech at a military ceremony in the capital, came the same day a group of 80 human rights groups and other non-governmental organizations released a report critical of Uribe's crackdown. International human rights officials condemned Uribe's remarks.

Since being elected by a landslide and taking office in August 2002, Uribe has led a campaign to restore order in a country afflicted by 39 years of guerrilla warfare that takes about 3,500 lives a year.

"When the terrorists begin to feel weakened, they immediately send their spokespeople for the human rights (groups)," Uribe said, challenging them to "take off their masks ... and drop this cowardice of hiding their ideas behind human rights." (snip/...)

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGAR10S8DKD.html


Uribe and Bush, May 1, 2003
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/spanish/latin_america/newsid_2990000/2990715.stm (Spanish)

[lcordero]

1. Just give him some time...

and he will be comparable to Islam Karimov.

[ixion]

2. taking a play right from the Rove playbook

demonize anyone who takes a position opposite yours. :grr:

[Flying_Pig]

3. Uribe is just another ...

PNAC owned fascist, keeping an eye on the oil....