Are Ingrid Betancourt and the Three Americans Free

Colombiareports.com says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:21:

Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos says so.

http://colombiareports.com/2008/07/02/ingrid-betancourt-and-american-h...

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PALEOLITICO says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:22:

SI ES VERDAD!!!! El Ministro de la Defensa lo acaba de confirmar!!!

Enseñame a enseñar.

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TobyBoy says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:23:

YES YES YES its true!

Face it president Alvaor Uribe is the best thing that has ever happened to Colombia and to Latin America!!

God bless Colombia and the long-tortured hostages! ...now FREE

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LilaM says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:24:

yes yes yes

"You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don´t try" B. Sills

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PALEOLITICO says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:25:

Que VIVA ALVARO URIBE Y EL EJERCITO COLOMBIANO !!!

Enseñame a enseñar.

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viajero123 says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:25:

yes, true, 15 altogether. They were rescued by the Colombian Army.
http://www.wradio.com.co/envivo.asp

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ColombiaBoard says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:26:

This is also a huge blow to Chavez and the french government

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huskie says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:30:

QUE VIVA URIBE Y EL EJERCITO COLOMBIANO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WOOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cheers

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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tasco66 says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:30:

"This is also a huge blow to Chavez and the french government"

and to Buggy and his lefties friends

Bravo, Presidente Uribe for the perfect operation!

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bickerss says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:30:

The FARC must be on its last legs to allow hostages of that nature to be rescued. That takes some serious infiltrationwhere I am assuming very high level people (from the FARC side) would have to be involved and have given information etc?

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BOGOTANDR says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:31:

:D yay

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LilaM says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:31:

Sorry for Mrs Piedad, now she is going to say... well yes I went to Washington just to fix a couple of things for Chavez to help to release them!!! ..... God bless Uribe and Colombia

"You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don´t try" B. Sills

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tasco66 says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:32:

It’s incredible, everything buggy and romy have written about Uribe has been proven to be wrong.

Uribe is the best Presidente on the planet!

Viva Uribe!

Bravo, Presidente Uribe for the perfect operation!

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ColombiaBoard says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:32:

The minister of defense said that the army intelligence managed to infiltrate FARC on a high level and made them believe that they should gather that group of very important hostages at a specific location, when that happened the army was ready to intercept them and they did. Amazing.

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tejasmarcos says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:34:

bickerss - i'd say technology had a hand in it as well. those wonderful multimillion dollar defense satellites sure are AWESOME!

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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romy says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:34:

Is it not worrying to Uribistas that again Santos outshone him?

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tasco66 says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:35:

Poor Peidad who wanted Ingrid to remain in the hands of the Farc, she must be really pissed off right now

Jajaja

Viva Uribe, Viva el Ejercito de Colombia!

Bravo, Presidente Uribe for the perfect operation!

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ColombianoGringo says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:36:

I am having a hard time reaching any Colombian websites. The traffic must be incredible. This is definitely the story of the decade.

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aztec says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:37:

It is true!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They were rescued and not released by the FARC.

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huskie says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:38:

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:39:

THIS IS JOYOUS NEWS INDEED!!!
Everybody wins with the liberation of these people (except the FARC) because we are SO NOT going to ruin this glorious moment with petty bickering and accusations.
The righties and the lefties have all been of one mind about the hostages: everybody's wanted them FREE. (Including Chavez, Piedad, Sarkozy etc.)

WELCOMETO FREEDOM INGRID, GRINGOS AND THE REST OF THE RESCUED PEOPLE.

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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tasco66 says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:40:

Didn’t Piedad say only Chavez could free Ingrid???

Jajaja

Bravo, Presidente Uribe for the perfect operation!

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huskie says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:41:

VIVA COLOMBIA CARAJO!!! AND THE USA!!!

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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LilaM says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:41:

tasco said "It’s incredible, everything buggy and romy have written about Uribe has been proven to be wrong."

I ABSOLUTLY AGREE!!!

"You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don´t try" B. Sills

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romy says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:42:

LilaM- what have I written that is wrong?
please quote

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Medellin Traveler says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:43:

GREAT NEWS!

And to think, there are some people that said they would have killed themselves if they were kidnapped by the FARC.

Regardless of what the Americans were doing in Colombia, it's good to see that they are coming home soon.

Don't forget, it's NOT just Uribe, it's a major assist from the United State of AMERICA!

They are SURVIVORS!

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

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aztec says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:44:

romy can't you express just a little joy. If not why don't you go home for today and leave the happy people alone.

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tasco66 says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:46:

"romy can't you express just a little joy"

What joy? the guy is devastated...

Bravo, Presidente Uribe for the perfect operation!

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LilaM says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:49:

Romy, Santos is part of our government so his work improves what Uribe does everyday for our country....

"You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don´t try" B. Sills

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billyb says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:51:

romy says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:34: flag

Is it not worrying to Uribistas that again Santos outshone him?

That's pretty sad of you romy.

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PALEOLITICO says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:51:

La mayoria de ellos llevaban 10 años secuestrados!

Enseñame a enseñar.

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ColombianoGringo says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:52:

Buggy, What the hell did you ever do for their freedom? Your nonsense is played out. Take it somewhere else.

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sanandressi says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:54:

Good news indeed and just BTW the so called SURGE in Iraq seems to be working. Military might can have results at times.

Nevertheless, some 685 still remain in captivity.

It will be interesting to hear the details. Was the military tipped off? US intelligence?

The FARC seems to be falling apart.

Good news indeed. Uribe is tough but give a little credit, just a little, to PASTRANA for showing Colombians that the FARC were and are just thugs and narcos....the leaders anyway. Kind of hard to criticize 13 year old kids in the FARC!

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romy says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:55:

romy says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:31: edit flag

is there a link to this news?
Good for Ingrid and her family... along with the 14 others.



btw, Santos is an internal rival for Uribe....but maybe you didn't know that

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PALEOLITICO says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:56:

QUE VIVA EL EJERCITO COLOMBIANO Y NUESTRO PRESIDENTE ALVARO URIBE VELEZ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Enseñame a enseñar.

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romy says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:57:

I believe buggy has made several pro-Ingrid posts on this board... the distortion of information is lived on PBH

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ColombianoGringo says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:00:

"without people like me Ingrid would be dead since long time "

Again, What the hell did you do to help? How did people like you keep her alive? If anything, fools who believed that the FARC would negotiate extended her captivity by insisting on pointless negotiations. If it were up to "people like you", the FARC would have their new "Zona de Despejo" and would be terrorizing the residents and setting up prison and drug labs just like the last time. Grow some balls for once and admit that you were wrong.

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mariacvetanoski says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:00:

Happy 4th of July Ingrid and family and PBH fans- this is truly a day of independence !!

Save the street children of Colombia Now!!

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billyb says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:01:

Time for the FARC to lick its wounds.

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droble77 says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:01:

What an AMAZING year for Colombia-related news, and we're just halfway thru '08!!

I wonder if this was timed somehow with the McCain visit. . .

Anyway, hate him or not, I think it's safe to assume the Colombian Supreme Court will back off on Uribe and he basically has a third term in the bag for mission accomplished.

Uribe is fighting a more effective "war on terror" than Bush is!!

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tasco66 says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:02:

Buggy always said Uribe did not want Ingrid free!

What do you have to say for yourself now buggy?

Bravo, Presidente Uribe for the perfect operation!

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aztec says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:03:

Buggy please go away just for one day.

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romy says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:03:

CG- While it's 99.9% possible that Ingrid is now free... I have yet to see the pictures. You nor I, nor anybody on this board has access to what this operation was actually all about. Insulting someone just because of what santos said and what you presume is a little weak in character, and I had thought better of you...

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tasco66 says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:03:

Buggy "two FARC chiefs who surrendered"

Yep, that's got nothing to do with Uribe, LOL!

Bravo, Presidente Uribe for the perfect operation!

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ColombianoGringo says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:05:

Quit trying to change the subject. That is another issue, albeit a valid one. In this case, we are talking about your insistence on "humanitarian exchanges" and negotiating with the farc criminals.

As usual, you answer a direct question by trying to divert the topic. What was it that you did to help th hostages? You continue to avoid the question.

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billyb says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:06:

jajaj, what is my old friend buggy up to? I can't see his comments, but I can guess it is not a happy day for the little camper ;)

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ColombianoGringo says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:08:

Romy, I respect you and consider your comments because despite occasionally differing opinions, you seem to be reasonable person. On the other hand, Buggy never admits when someone else has a valid point and does anything he can to avoid a direct question. He doesn't participate in reasonable debate, but instead just loves to start shit with inflammatory comments. I am not insulting him, but calling him on his nonsensical claims.

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:10:

Que viva Uribe y su ejercito Colombiano

no solo por rescatar a Ingrid si no a los otros secuestrados
eso presidente mano dura......:)))))

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tasco66 says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:10:

"99.9%??????????? Your still holding out for it not to be true arent you?????"

yep, romy is praying this isn't true...

Bravo, Presidente Uribe for the perfect operation!

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:11:

I wonder what Chavez and piedad are thinking? uhmm

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tasco66 says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:12:

Funny to see today romy and buggy telling each others "you are right my friend", "yes you are right"

Is this the same person using two ids what?

Jajaja

Bravo, Presidente Uribe for the perfect operation!

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ColombianoGringo says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:13:

I realize that some will scream propaganda, but this is some of the only detail available. It is primarily the statement that Santos made. It is your decision to read it or not.


Se encuentran sanos y a salvo. Así lo comunicó el ministro de Defensa, Juan Manuel Santos, en rueda de prensa.

El rescate se produjo en una zona selvática del departamento de Guaviare, en el suroeste de Colombia, indicó Santos. Los rescatados serán trasladados más tarde a la base aérea de Tolemaida, en el departamento el Tolima, a menos de 190 kilómetros de Bogotá.

"Seguiremos trabajando en la liberación de los demás secuestrados. Hacemos un llamado a los actuales cabecillas de las Farc para que no se hagan matar, liberen a los (otros) secuestrados y no sacrifiquen a sus hombres", agregó Santos, quien les ofreció una paz digna. Betancourt fue secuestrada en febrero de 2002, mientras que los estadounidenses, Keith Stansell, Marc Gonsalves y Thomas Homes cayeron en de febrero del 2003 en las selvas del Caquetá. Los tres norteamericanos trabajaban para California Microwave Systems, firma contratada por el Departamento da Defensa de Estados Unidos para recoger informaciones sobre plantaciones de droga. Sin embargo, las Farc los acusaron de ser espías de la Agencia Central de Información (CIA).

"Esta operación que se denominó 'Jaque', no tiene precedentes y deja muy en alto la calidad y el profesionalismo de las fuerzas militares colombianas", señaló Santos.

"Mis felicitaciones muy sinceras a nuestros hombres de la Inteligencia del Ejército", añadió el funcionario y felicitó a los generales Freddy Padilla, comandante de las Fuerzas Militares, y Mario Montoya, comandante del Ejército.

"El país y sus seres queridos no tendrán cómo agradecerles semejante operación de rescate", que llevaba más de un año en ejecución, dijo. Efe Lista parcial de los rescatados: Ingrid Betancourt Marc Gonsalves Teniente Juan Carlos Bermeo Sut Raimanduo Malagón Sargento José Ricardo Mantilla Cabo William Pérez Sargento Erasmo romero Cabo José Miguel Arteaga Cabo Armando Florez Cabo Julio Buitrago Subintendente Armando Castellanos Teniente Vaney Rodríguez

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aztec says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:13:

Was able to open El Tiempo! This is all that is on the site!

Miércoles 2 de julio de 2008 - actualizado hace 10 minutos
Rescatada Ingrid Betancourt, los 3 estadounidenses y otros 11 secuestrados de la Fuerza Pública

Se encuentran sanos y a salvo. Así lo comunicó el ministro de Defensa, Juan Manuel Santos, en rueda de prensa.

El rescate se produjo en una zona selvática del departamento de Guaviare, en el suroeste de Colombia, indicó Santos. Los rescatados serán trasladados más tarde a la base aérea de Tolemaida, en el departamento el Tolima, a menos de 190 kilómetros de Bogotá.

"Seguiremos trabajando en la liberación de los demás secuestrados. Hacemos un llamado a los actuales cabecillas de las Farc para que no se hagan matar, liberen a los (otros) secuestrados y no sacrifiquen a sus hombres", agregó Santos, quien les ofreció una paz digna. Betancourt fue secuestrada en febrero de 2002, mientras que los estadounidenses, Keith Stansell, Marc Gonsalves y Thomas Homes cayeron en de febrero del 2003 en las selvas del Caquetá. Los tres norteamericanos trabajaban para California Microwave Systems, firma contratada por el Departamento da Defensa de Estados Unidos para recoger informaciones sobre plantaciones de droga. Sin embargo, las Farc los acusaron de ser espías de la Agencia Central de Información (CIA).

"Esta operación que se denominó 'Jaque', no tiene precedentes y deja muy en alto la calidad y el profesionalismo de las fuerzas militares colombianas", señaló Santos.

"Mis felicitaciones muy sinceras a nuestros hombres de la Inteligencia del Ejército", añadió el funcionario y felicitó a los generales Freddy Padilla, comandante de las Fuerzas Militares, y Mario Montoya, comandante del Ejército.

"El país y sus seres queridos no tendrán cómo agradecerles semejante operación de rescate", que llevaba más de un año en ejecución, dijo. Efe Lista parcial de los rescatados: Ingrid Betancourt Marc Gonsalves Teniente Juan Carlos Bermeo Sut Raimanduo Malagón Sargento José Ricardo Mantilla Cabo William Pérez Sargento Erasmo romero Cabo José Miguel Arteaga Cabo Armando Florez Cabo Julio Buitrago Subintendente Armando Castellanos Teniente Vaney Rodríguez

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:14:

Kat1....haven't they been very active un trying to get the hostages free? Wasn't it those two who have already brought two groups of hostages out from the jungle without risking anybody's lives?

I'm sure both Chavez and Piedad Córdoba will soon issue a statement of congratulations and express their happiness for this new.

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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getting better says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:15:

I am very pleased at this news. I do not claim to be an expert like you guys but it strikes me that FARC have overplayed their hand. They could have got a got a swop if they dropped the demand for a demilitarised area. The more of their people give up and the less high value hostages they hold then the weaker their position.
Why don't they do a deal while they they still can, or is their internal communciation so broken that they can't really negotiate as one force any more?

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ColombianoGringo says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:15:

Ha Ha Aztec. Looks like we both finally got through at the same time. El Tiempo had to take down all content but this text in order to alleviate the major traffic jam they had going.

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billyb says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:15:

I wonder what that bitch pulecio has to say about uribe now? She was dead set against an army rescue attempt.

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huskie says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:16:

PASTRANA HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS, HE WAS KISSING TIROFIJO WHILE HE WAS PRESIDENT!!!! dID YOU FORGET ABOUT THAT?
cHEERS

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:17:

Desi i don't think this was much of a negotiation, i do think Chavez and Piedad had an agreement with the Farc and they told them to hold on of Ingrid and the others.

I do not trust those two no for a million dollars

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juancegomez says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:17:

I sincerely thank those responsible and am very happy for the families, but this isn't going to turn me into an Uribe voter or anything.

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tasco66 says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:18:

"Desi i don't think this was much of a negotiation, i do think Chavez and Piedad had an agreement with the Farc and they told them to hold on of Ingrid and the others.

I do not trust those two no for a million dollars"

Amen!

Bravo, Presidente Uribe for the perfect operation!

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aztec says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:19:

Video

http://e.eltiempo.com/index.html

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tasco66 says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:25:

Thank you Sr. Santos

Bravo, Presidente Uribe for the perfect operation!

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billyb says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:26:

"I'm sure both Chavez and Piedad Córdoba will soon issue a statement of congratulations and express their happiness for this new."

Desi, I am sure they will do that, but only the most gullible of people will believe they mean it.

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tasco66 says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:27:

Colombia is lucky to have the best President in the world...

Thank you Presidente Uribe!

Bravo, Presidente Uribe for the perfect operation!

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romy says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:34:

so now Santos is banking on reciprocity from FARC? WHAT??
they had a shot at getting everyone out but only took a select 15 out?
That's the next president speaking everybody...

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billyb says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:36:

Damn romy, at least pretend you are happy about the hostages being rescued. You can go home and cry into your milk later.

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ColombianoGringo says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:36:

Romy, Where did you see that they had a chance to rescue more people?

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Tinto (Moderator) says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:36:

Apologies if this has already been posted elsewhere... here's the statement from the Army's website:
------------------------------
Operación Jaque
Bogotá. Nos permitimos comunicarle a la opinión pública nacional e internacional lo siguiente:
En una operación especial de inteligencia planeada y ejecutada por nuestra inteligencia militar fueron rescatados sanos y salvos 15 de los secuestrados que se encontraban en manos de las FARC.

Entre los secuestrados rescatados se encuentran Ingrid Betancourt, los tres ciudadanos norteamericanos, y 11 miembros de nuestra Fuerza Pública.

Fueron rescatados en una operación en donde se logró infiltrar la primera cuadrilla de las FARC, comandada por alias Cesar, la misma cuadrilla que ha mantenido durante los últimos años a un grupo numeroso de secuestrados en su poder.

A través de diferentes procedimientos se logró también infiltrar al secretariado. Como los secuestrados estaban divididos en tres grupos, se logró que se reunieran en un solo sitio y luego se facilitara su traslado al sur del país para que supuestamente pasaran directamente a órdenes de Alfonso Cano.

Se coordinó para que los secuestrados fueran recogidos en un sitio predeterminado por un helicóptero de una organización humanitaria ficticia. Se coordino también que el propio alias Cesar y otro miembro de su estado mayor viajaran personalmente con los secuestrados para entregárselos a Alfonso Cano.

Los helicópteros que en realidad eran del Ejercito Nacional y tripulados por personal altamente calificado de nuestra inteligencia, recogieron a los secuestrados en inmediaciones del departamento del Guaviare hace unos minutos y están volando libres, sanos y salvos a San José. Allá abordarán un avión que los llevará a Tolemaida.

Alias Cesar y el otro miembro de su cuadrilla fueron neutralizados en el helicóptero y serán entregados a las autoridades judiciales para que sean procesados por todos sus delitos.

A los miembros de la cuadrilla que acompañaron a Cesar en la operación de entrega –unos quince más o menos- como al resto que se encontraban a unos kilómetros- decidimos no atacarlos y les respetamos la vida en espera de que las FARC, en reciprocidad, suelten al resto de los secuestrados.

Esta operación, que se denominó JAQUE, es una operación sin precedentes que pasará a la historia por su audacia y efectividad, y que deja muy en alto la calidad y el profesionalismo de las fuerzas armadas colombianas.

Quince secuestrados rescatados sin disparar un solo tiro.

Mis felicitaciones muy sinceras a nuestros hombres de la inteligencia del Ejército, al general Mario Montoya, su Comandante, y al General Freddy Padilla quien estuvo al frente de la operación de principio a fin.

El país, el mundo y los seres queridos de los secuestrados no tendrán como agradecerles a estos generales y a sus hombres, semejante operación de rescate.

Seguiremos trabajando día y noche para lograr la liberación del resto de los secuestrados.

Una vez más hacemos un llamado a los nuevos cabecillas de las FARC para que depongan las armas, para que no se hagan matar ni sacrifiquen a sus hombres, para que se desmovilicen.

El gobierno les reitera que si quieren entrar a negociar en serio y de buena fe, les ofrecemos una paz digna.



Los liberados son:

Ingrid Betancourt

Keith Stansell

Thomas Howen

Mark Gonsalvez

Teniente Juan Carlos Bermeo del Ejército

Subteniente Raimundo Malagón del Ejército

Sargento Segundo José Ricardo Marulanda del Ejército

Cabo Primero William Pérez del Ejército

Sargento Segundo Erasmo Romero del Ejército

Cabo Primero José Miguel Arteaga del Ejército

Cabo Primero Armando Florez del Ejército

Cabo Primero Julio Buitrago de la Policía

Subintendente Armando Castellanos de la Policía

Teniente Vianey Rodríguez de la Policía

Cabo Primero John Jairo Duran de la Policía
Ministerio de Defensa Nacional, miércoles 02 de julio de 2008

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romy says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:37:

video posted by aztec.... I'm very happy for Ingrid and her family along with the other hostages released still like I posted on my first reaction

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NataliaV says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:38:

Any links to pictures yet? I can't seem to find any.

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rhydewithdis says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:38:

Awesome - huge blow to the FARC and what great news for the captives families.

They said I couldn't play football I was too small / They say I couldn't play basketball I wasn't tall / They say I couldn't play baseball at all / And now everyday of my life I ball.

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ColombianoGringo says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:39:

Romy, I saw the video as well. Where you referring to the part where he mentioned three groups?

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LDW says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:41:

I would bet that Hugo Chavez and Piedad Cordoba are really pissed off right about now.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:43:

"U.S. intelligence agencies, including the CIA and National Security Agency, played a role in locating the hostages."
----
Colombia: Betancourt, U.S. hostages rescued
Defense minister says rebel-held hostages in reasonably good health

BREAKING NEWS - MSNBC News Services

BOGOTA, Colombia - Colombia said its military rescued former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, three U.S. military contractors and 11 other hostages from leftist rebels on Wednesday.

Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos said no one was hurt in the operation in eastern Colombia.

He said army commandos captured rebels manning a security ring around the hostages and were able to persuade their comrades to turn over the captives, without any loss of life.

The other 11 hostages freed were Colombian soldiers and police, Santos said.
Betancourt, the Americans Marc Gonsalves, Thomas Howes and Keith Stansell, and the other hostages were taken to a military base.

U.S. intelligence agencies, including the CIA and National Security Agency, played a role in locating the hostages by providing resources and equipment, NBC News reported.
According to Pentagon officials, the U.S. military provided medevac helicopters that airlifted the three Americans and Betancourt to safety, but did not participate directly in the operation.
In Paris, Betancourt's son Lorenzo Delloye-Betancourt called her release after six years of captivity, "if true, the most beautiful news of my life."

He said on France-Info radio Wednesday that he "really surprised and happy" though he was waiting for more information about the release.

Delloye lives in France. Betancourt holds dual Colombian and French citizenship and has become a cause celebre in France. President Nicolas Sarkozy has pushed for her release.
There was no answer at the homes of American families of the three U.S. hostages.
Captured in the jungle

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known as the FARC, has been holding about 40 high-profile hostages it has sought to exchange for jailed rebels.
Betancourt, a former presidential candidate with dual nationality, was kidnapped by the FARC in 2002. She was last seen in a rebel video at the end of last year looking gaunt and despondent.

The three Defense Department contract workers were captured in 2003 after their light aircraft crashed in the jungles while on a counter-narcotics operation.

The FARC, once a 17,000-member force able to attack cities and kidnap almost at will, has been driven back into remote areas and now has about 9,000 combatants. The guerrillas have lost three major leaders this year.

Listed as a terrorist group by U.S. and European officials, the FARC has used Colombia's cocaine trade to fund its operations.

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

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juancegomez says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:43:

romy: What tells you that there was a chance of freeing, say, between 50 and 700 hostages in this operation, depending on how you count?

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huskie says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:48:

Elisse just confirmed Betancourt's release
Cheers

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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tasco66 says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:48:

Funny how romy can only criticize the Colombian government for this successful operation…

That tells you a lot about who he really is..

Bravo, Presidente Uribe for the perfect operation!

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romy says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:50:

they picked who they wanted on that helicopter... it's no coincidence who came out from this operation. Not to mention the whole Cesar stuff, obviously they bought him out.

I do find this disgusting and would be willing to bet it's a lie "Se coordinó para que los secuestrados fueran recogidos en un sitio predeterminado por un helicóptero de una organización humanitaria ficticia." when has any humanitarian group been found to be aiding FARC? and why would FARC trust a group that out of the blue offers them a helicopter ride?

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ColombianoGringo says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:53:

Where did you see that they picked out the ones they wanted? Maybe I missed it. Do you have a direct quote or source?

Santos specifically mentioned that they had infiltrated this farc section and the upper levels as well. This clearly could not have happened without inside help. I don't think they are denying that.

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tasco66 says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:55:

romy, why did the Farc offer to release a hostage (Emmanuel) that was not in their custody?

You still haven't gotten over that one hey?

Please explain...Jajaja

Bravo, Presidente Uribe for the perfect operation!

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huskie says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:58:

Buggy says: "One more time Santos introduces himself for the next presidential election ...

I hope Ingrid will be candidate against him and that all democratic people will support her.".

HAHAHAHA

BTW she is probably too sick and if she has Hepatitis B she will probably not survive very long
Cheers

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:59:

Yes, there are some inconsistencies in Santos´report. I believe this aliasCesar and the othe FARCeno were bought off too. But it doesn't really matter; the main thing is that these people are free now and there were no casualties.
I was under the impression that they rescued all of the hostages in that specific group that had the highest value for the guerrilla,

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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huskie says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:59:

Go to bed Romy!!!!
Cheers

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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romy says on Jul 2, 2008, 14:00:

who (what name?) do you recognize that is still being held by FARC? it's obviously an implication, but given the turn of events... If you believe word for word what the military is saying, these guys are geniuses... how has it ever taken them until this moment in time to have these high-profile hostages released?

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sanandressi says on Jul 2, 2008, 14:01:

PASTRANA does have something to do with this. His kissing Tirofijo and then Pastrana's being dissed by the FARC showed Colombians that the FARC did not want a negotiated settlement so hence, tougher guy Uribe was elected. If you remember, just before he left office, Pastrana sent the military after the FARC saying "I will not let the new president in a weak position." This is why I mention Pastrana. Kind of sort of how a weak Jimmy Carter led to a Ronald Reagan. Also, Ingirrd was going out into the countryside to kiss up to the FARC when she was kidnapped. The gringos got shot down.

BTW the details will come out. A week ago supposedly somebody was going to give Ingrid and the others up. Cano? How did this come about peacefully and how many FARC prisioners and where is Cano now?

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Medellin Traveler says on Jul 2, 2008, 14:01:

ColombianoGringo says, "Santos specifically mentioned that they had infiltrated this farc section and the upper levels as well. This clearly could not have happened without inside help."

AGREE, I was thinking the same thing myself.

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

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sanandressi says on Jul 2, 2008, 14:03:

Not Cano but Cesar....did he give them up and will he be pardoned or something?

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micoface says on Jul 2, 2008, 14:04:

This is truly a blessed day.
Regardless of whether there is a hidden agenda behind this operation or not.
Let's keep this positive.
God bless our countries, those free, those still held captive and their families.

TH

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Medellin Traveler says on Jul 2, 2008, 14:05:

VERY INTERESTING!

FARC members handed over hostages.

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

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romy says on Jul 2, 2008, 14:09:

Cesar will soon be alias Jorge, though where he will be people might call him George...

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billyb says on Jul 2, 2008, 14:10:

I am sure money changed hands, but what does that have to do with anything? Better that they bought them off, or tricked them, than gone in guns blasing and have the FARC massacre the hostages, like they did with the concejales de Cali. Of course i can't help to think that a couple on here would not prefered that outcome so they could critizes Uribe without looking like complete fools.

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tasco66 says on Jul 2, 2008, 14:12:

"Of course i can't help to think that a couple on here would not prefered that outcome so they could critizes Uribe without looking like complete fools"

They would have loved that...

Bravo, Presidente Uribe for the perfect operation!

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juancegomez says on Jul 2, 2008, 14:12:

There are certainly details that may be either inconsistent, incomplete or, if you want to go that far, false. I haven't been too careful about that right now, admittedly, as there will be plenty of time to nitpick later.

BUT

Even if FARC individuals had been bought off and others were simply tricked...do you really think, Romy, that it was PHYSICALLY POSSIBLE for every single one of those hostages to be rescued through an operation of this kind?

Yes, it was apparently possible to trick FARC into transporting 15, what makes you think it would have been easy to make them transport 50 or more, who may be in completely different locations?

Think about it.

There could have been some amount of selection as part of the deception but there are also physical limits to what can be done.

If trying to rescue 50 more would have complicated things exponentially and jeopardized even this much, it wouldn't have been worth it.

Let alone the hundreds of others that have never been part of the "official" exchange discussions. Thinking of freeing them through an operation of this kind becomes even more difficult, unless you have some novel idea.

Again, I'm not blinding applauding Uribe, nor will I vote for him even if FARC surrenders tomorrow (not going to happen), but c'mon...

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CanadaMan says on Jul 2, 2008, 14:16:

Great news for Colombia and for President Uribe..

Romy and Buggy are crying their eyes out.. You guys sound like one person sometimes.. Are you two long lost twins or the same person ?.. jajajajaja

Viva Colombia..


..

Formerly WidowerfromCanada...I am engaged to a wonderful Peruviana.

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John Milton says on Jul 2, 2008, 14:19:

Sanandressi- The cause of the gringos' plane crash was due to engine stress. Yes there was bullet holes in the craft but many of which were put there by the FARC after the crash. Only a few bullets hit the plane while it was still in the air and coming down for the emergency landing. The FARC shot at the plan as it was crashing and then shot it up some more upon their arrival to the scene. Of course this just trivial point now since finally Mark, Tom, and Keith are coming home. This is a great day, one I have waited for so long to come.

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ColombianoGringo says on Jul 2, 2008, 14:19:

More video coverage(in Spanish)
http://www.youtube.com/eltiempotv

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Medellin Traveler says on Jul 2, 2008, 14:20:

romy, SHUT UP!

WHO CARES HOW THE RESCUE MISSION WAS ACHIEVED!

A MAJOR BLOW TO FARC!

SOME OF THE HOSTAGES ARE FREED!

HOPEFULLY, THERE ARE MORE TO COME.

RIGHT NOW, WE SHOULD CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF THE HOSTAGES, POLITICS ASIDE!

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

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romy says on Jul 2, 2008, 14:25:

juance- how did they 'justify' the transfer of these 15 hostages? beyond that question that has no real answer because, who did they 'trick'? so assuming what they say is true word by word, is it not conceivable to have a second helicopter?

MT- so you ignore the pro-Santos politics? (it's funny because it's not even about Uribe anymore but Uribistas on this forum haven't received the memo)

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Medellin Traveler says on Jul 2, 2008, 14:26:

romy,

AGAIN, WHO CARES!

The hostages have suffered more than you and I will hopefully ever have to endure.

SOME HOSTAGES HAVE BEEN FREED!

Let's CELEBRATE THAT FOR NOW.................. talk politics later!

YOU would be singing a different tune right now if it was YOUR ASS they freed.

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

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tejasmarcos says on Jul 2, 2008, 14:34:

the truth will come out on OPRAH soon enough ;)

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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juancegomez says on Jul 2, 2008, 14:35:

romy: " how did they 'justify' the transfer of these 15 hostages? beyond that question that has no real answer because, who did they 'trick'? so assuming what they say is true word by word, is it not conceivable to have a second helicopter?"

That sounds like a valid question, but it could only be answered if we knew all the internal details of the deception.

But again, romy, it's very likely not just a matter of adding another helicopter.

Here are some other valid questions which we can't answer yet:

Where are the other hostages right now?

Could they have been included in the deception without complicating things and raising suspicions?

Where would the 15 hostages be transported to?

You seem to assume that either they were close by, or that the government simply decided to leave them out, when it could easily have freed every single one of them.

In the end, as painful or unfair as this may sound...más vale pájaro en mano que cien volando.

Now something has to done about the rest, undeniably.

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romy says on Jul 2, 2008, 14:37:

MT- remember that thread on people changing personalities when using different languages?? you seem to do so when crossing borders...
How many times do I have to state how happy I am for the freed hostages and their families... but how can I celebrate a short-sighted victory? people are still dying from violence, there's tons of IDPs/refugees, soaring food prices are affecting the poor more and more, there's an ilegitimate government in power, etc etc... but sure I have nothing but happiness in my personal life so F them, maybe I'll head to the bar after the game tonight and look specifically for a Colombiana to pick up and celebrate with her...

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Medellin Traveler says on Jul 2, 2008, 14:42:

romy,

Agree with you, that there are many problems that exist in Colombia, but damn let's enjoy the moment, hopefully we can all share more moments like this on PBH together in the very near future.

Let's celebrate the former hostages freedom right now, they have suffered enough.

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

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billyb says on Jul 2, 2008, 14:43:

" but how can I celebrate a short-sighted victory?"

Please explain what you mean by this hostage rescue being shotsighted? Are trying to say it is a bad thing in the long run? Or did you just use imprecise language?

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ColombianoGringo says on Jul 2, 2008, 14:44:

Although Luis Eladio Pérez was vehemently opposed to a rescue, he has the decency to recognize and applaud the president and the armed forces for their successful efforts. He doesn't betray his principles, but shows some real character by rising above petty politics on this happy occasion. Many could learn from his example.

“Hoy estamos felices, sin duda. Debo reconocer el esfuerzo del Presidente y de las Fuerzas Armadas. A pesar de que siempre he sido un opositor de los rescates forzados, me quito el sombrero ante las Fuerzas Armadas. Estoy muy gratamente sorprendido con el informe que ha presentado el ministro Santos. Los intentos de rescate podrían acabar con la vida de los secuestrados, por eso hemos estado abogando por un acuerdo. Merecen el reconocimiento mundial las Fuerzas Armadas.

Luis Eladio Pérez, liberado

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romy says on Jul 2, 2008, 14:46:

Juance- of course and it's all things I've considered... again I apologize to a poster like you that remains reasonable in such times of information bombardment.
Do you not question the existance of this 'humanitarian aid' helicopter, sure there was probably a helicopter, how else do you get into and out of the jungle.... but the fictitious humanitarian agency bit is so out there.

Besides, this operation implies that Cano has communications with these other guys... why not go after the big fish too had they 'infiltrated' these lines?

...there's just too many questions to be taking what has been released as an absolute truth like people have chosen to do. My perspective, at least.

btw, Santos mentions that this FARC faction holds many hostages, however doesn't specify... don't tell me you don't also question the whole 'reciprocity' argument?

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ColombianoGringo says on Jul 2, 2008, 14:52:

Romy, I don't think it is unreasonable to expect that we may never hear the full story. Most of us understand that we are not being given the full details. The whole thing was an intelligence operation based on subterfuge. It is silly to believe that this would have been possible without inside help from farc members. The government admitted that they had infiltrated the farc and it is public knowledge that they are offering rewards to cooperating guerrillas. The fact remains that these people are free and the farc just lost their most important bargaining chips and it can't but weaken their position.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jul 2, 2008, 14:53:

romy,

One step at a time...........................

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

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billyb says on Jul 2, 2008, 14:55:

So romy, what is your whole point? That the rescue didn't happen? That is is bad thing that it happened? Your nitpicking is only making you look very small.

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Tinto (Moderator) says on Jul 2, 2008, 14:55:

A payoff makes sense to me. The details provided so far, don't -- esp. when they include everyone boarding two army helicopters like lambs without a shot being fired. Hello? Who else flies helicopters like this in the Colombian jungle? Or maybe the military markings were covered up with Barney the Purple Dinosaur paint and the FARC really was duped?

It will be an interesting story to follow and even more fascinating if it's true.

Whatever the case, I am glad the good guys got out alive.

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tasco66 says on Jul 2, 2008, 14:56:

Yep, romy sure showed his true face today

Bravo, Presidente Uribe for the perfect operation!

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juancegomez says on Jul 2, 2008, 15:02:

romy: I am certainly not taking everything as an absolute and unquestionable truth, and I commend you for taking that stance as well, regardless of any specific details we may disagree about.

Best case scenario, I imagine all of this is true BUT many details will never be revealed or it will take a lot of time before they do.

Worst case scenario, the current description may be either partially or completely false, but we do not know to what extent.

Btw, Ingrid Betancourt herself has talked to the Army's radio station, Caracol Radio and CNN en Español retransmitted part of this interview.

It seems, from her point of view, this all looked like an internal FARC transportation procedure, not a humanitarian operation, but then the disguised Colombian soldiers inside the helicopter overpowered two FARC personnel and announced who they were.

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jul 2, 2008, 15:33:

Ecuador's government showing its true colors right now.

Alivia a Ecuador rescate de rehenes; le preocupa que no haya sido vía diálogo

"Me emociona que eso haya ocurrido. Me produce un enorme alivio. Es algo que el mundo estaba esperando, lástima que no se haya dado en el marco de un proceso de paz sino por un rescate (militar)", dijo el ministro de Defensa, Javier Ponce.

Reuters
Publicado: 02/07/2008 15:28

Esmeraldas. En tanto, Ecuador recibió con alivio la noticia del rescate de Ingrid Betancourt y otros 14 rehenes en poder de las FARC, pero lamentó que la liberación no haya sido negociada y teme que el operativo debilite una salida política al conflicto armado en Colombia.

"Me emociona que eso haya ocurrido. Me produce un enorme alivio. Es algo que el mundo estaba esperando, lástima que no se haya dado en el marco de un proceso de paz sino por un rescate (militar)", dijo a la AFP el ministro de Defensa, Javier Ponce durante un recorrido por la frontera entre Colombia y Ecuador.

"El problema es que por una parte esto debilita la salida política y puede precipitar acciones de las FARC, que se sientan debilitadas, que se sientan acorraladas", declaró el funcionario. En ese sentido, reiteró sus deseos de que el conflicto colombiano "sea resuelto integralmente con la liberación de todos los rehenes y un acuerdo de paz con la guerrilla" de las FARC.

"Esa es la aspiración que tenemos los pueblos de la región y muy particularmente nosotros, que tenemos una frontera profundamente afectada por el conflicto colombiano", agregó.

El gobierno de Rafael Correa gestionó hasta febrero la liberación de Betancourt y otros rehenes en territorio ecuatoriano, pero según el mandatario el bombardeo colombiano del 1 de marzo contra esa guerrilla en Ecuador frustró la entrega. El ataque derivó en la ruptura de relaciones entre los dos países.

En tanto, el presidente de Bolivia, Evo Morales, saludó este miércoles la liberación de la colombo-francesa Ingrid Betancourt, rescatada de la guerrilla de las FARC en un operativo militar, junto a otros 14 rehenes, y manifestó su deseo de que se avance en un proceso de paz en Colombia.

"Esta liberación es importantísima para una búsqueda de la paz (para alcanzar) acuerdos entre las FARC y el gobierno colombiano", afirmó Morales en una improvisada declaración en la casa presidencial.

Aparentemente no bien informado sobre las circunstancias de la liberación de Betancourt, pues sus declaraciones se dieron minutos después de difundida la noticia, Morales destacó "las conversaciones que comenzó el compañero (presidente venezolano) Hugo Chávez, que hay que saludar". Luego hizo votos por "que continúen los acuerdos para la liberación (...) mediante el diálogo", afirmó el gobernante.

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jul 2, 2008, 15:35:

For those who don't speak Spanish, the key point of the above is that Ecuador's Defense Minister is relieved to hear about the freeing of the hostage but sad it happened through a military rescue instead of a "peace process".

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billyb says on Jul 2, 2008, 15:36:

"Worst case scenario, the current description may be either partially or completely false, but we do not know to what extent" .

What is a worse case scenario on this outcome? That the gov might not be giving out all the details (maybe to be used again later)? The worst case scenario would have been if the rescued failed and the hostages were massacred like the FARC did with the Cali consejales.. Who cares about the specifics, they were rescued and nobody was harmed. In fact this would have to be called the best case scenario.

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tasco66 says on Jul 2, 2008, 15:40:

Well for sure, Uribe freeing the hostages without any loss of life is the worse case scenario for the PBH lefties (can't name them or this thread will be blocked), but they know who they are..

Bravo, Presidente Uribe for the perfect operation!

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tasco66 says on Jul 2, 2008, 15:45:

"She said this was the perfect operation...one of the best in history"

so much for those who said it was all made up...

Bravo, Presidente Uribe for the perfect operation!

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Tinto (Moderator) says on Jul 2, 2008, 15:45:

Talk about the story. Stop bashing other posters.

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ColombianoGringo says on Jul 2, 2008, 15:47:

Live from Tolemaida. Ingrid is speaking. She has had nothing but good things to say about the military and the president. She told about how upset they were when being loaded into the helicopter, thinking that it was some farc "circus". Once they were in the air, there was a commotion and she saw Cesar (Their "cruel, despotic captor) on the floor blindfolded and naked. Then the helicopter crew announced that they were military and that they were now free.

http://www.cnn.com/video/live/live.html?stream=stream1

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Medellin Traveler says on Jul 2, 2008, 15:48:

Who needs specifics, I'm already busy writing a screenplay, not necessarily the way it actually happened, but how I imagined it would have gone down with happy ending and all.'

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

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ColombianoGringo says on Jul 2, 2008, 15:50:

Ha Ha. MT. Santos did say that this was like something out of a movie.

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Tinto (Moderator) says on Jul 2, 2008, 15:51:

Once was fair. You don't need to do it in all of these rescue-related threads.

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billyb says on Jul 2, 2008, 15:51:

"floor blindfolded and naked"

jajaja, how Humiliating. I hope he was suffering from "shrinkage"

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ColombianoGringo says on Jul 2, 2008, 15:52:

Yep. Payback is a real bitch.

Don't miss http://www.cnn.com/video/live/live.html?stream=stream1

They just got done with speeches from the former hostages and will now begin a press conference. Let's be careful though. Ingrid may be part of Uribe's propaganda machine. Ha Ha.

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ColombianoGringo says on Jul 2, 2008, 15:57:

She is saying that although the families were against a rescue, the hostages themselves were hoping for a military rescue. She is now thanking Uribe for making the decision to go ahead with the rescue. So much for those who assumed that she would speak badly about Uribe. She even told her mother to call Uribe and thank him for the rescue despite her mother's feelings towards Uribe.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jul 2, 2008, 16:04:

Say what you will about Ingrid Betancour, from watching the video, she is one strong Colombian woman.

ALL Colombians should be proud of her, she ain't crying like a little coward, like some people on here stating in the past that they would commit suicide if captured by the FARC, you cowards should look at Ingrid and learn about what one should do to survive in hopes of seeing another day.

ColombianGringo, muchas gracias por el video.

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

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Cerealkiller says on Jul 2, 2008, 16:08:

I'm very happy for all the families and those who were rescued, there are very little things that can compare to that kind of joy. In regards to the politics involved, I stand still. This was a very positive outcome but that does not change *my* view on Uribe.

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

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