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French Slink Home Tails Between Their Legs

Well I see that-as predicted-the whole thing was a farce, a joke, a fiasco and worse.

How much money was wasted by these clowns?

I still have trouble believing they thought FARC would let them walk in and visit the hostages.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
France calls off Colombia mission

The French humanitarian mission sent to Colombia to try to secure to release of the hostage Ingrid Betancourt is being withdrawn from the country.

Colombia's Farc rebels said they would not allow emergency medical aid to be delivered to the kidnapped politician.

The mission was "not acceptable" and was launched without the guerrillas' agreement, a Farc statement said.

France, Spain and Switzerland, which were jointly behind the mission, said it was "no longer justifiable".

"It will therefore leave Colombia soon," the three countries said in a statement.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced the French mission after reports that Ms Betancourt, who holds dual French-Colombian citizenship, was seriously ill.

She was kidnapped while campaigning for the Colombian presidency six years ago.

"The French medical mission is not acceptable and much less so when it is not the result of a prior agreement," said a rebel statement, which was issued online by Farc's ruling secretariat.

"We do not act under blackmail or under pressure from media campaigns," it added.

The statement called on Colombia's government to establish a demilitarised zone where hostages could swapped for jailed rebels.

Farc wants to exchange 39 high-profile hostages for some 500 rebels currently in prison.

Colombian President Alvaro Uribe has consistently rejected the request.

However, his government has promised to suspend military operations against Farc in the area where many of its hostages are believed to be held.

Ms Betancourt was pictured looking thin and frail in a recent video.

France also offered to take in rebels released from prison in exchange for the 46-year-old, who has been held in the jungle since 2002.

Farc - the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia - has been fighting the Colombian government for more than 40 years.

By Sam Salmon on Apr 8, 2008, 15:19 in Politics & the war.

adrimm says on Apr 8, 2008, 22:40:

Could be a valuable lesson for all of the sympathatic (mislead) european groups out there.

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eywed says on Apr 8, 2008, 22:53:

Good, time to get back to hunting and killing farc . Might even get a new computer or two along the way.

Ay Hombe!!!!!

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poco says on Apr 8, 2008, 23:22:

This is sad, a country living on memories of long past lost potentials to achieve greatness. Haunted by the loss of empire, failures in conquest,, even Napoleon is better known as a simple pastry.

Now, France has failed in their role as mediator to Latin America, leaving all their problems unsolved. Who will fill their role in Colombia as the French retreat to their former occupations of claims adjusters for the car companies and treating protesters injured while extinguishing the Olympic torch?

Oh how the mighty have fallen.

"When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." Quote - General Tommy Franks

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ellbee2 says on Apr 9, 2008, 06:23:

"We do not act under blackmail or under pressure from media campaigns," OMG, that is hilarious.

"You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going because you might not get there." Yogi Berra

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droble77 says on Apr 9, 2008, 07:29:

Although I'm not really big on French cuisine, culture, literature, or cinema (could take or leave most of it), I just don't understand all the France hating on this board. Really, it's laughable.

I don't think the French went in there thinking there was much of a chance the FARC would just drop the welcome mat but Sarkozy has to at least look like he's trying something.

Also, do you really think Uribe would allow more than a small insignificant French contingent to try anything in Colombian territory? Have you guys been paying attention to certain recent events around the Colombian/Ecuador border? ;)

The nastiness of the title is just a sign of pure ignorance.

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ellbee2 says on Apr 9, 2008, 07:57:

Well put droble77. Some (dare I say most) posters on here seem to be innately negative people.

"You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going because you might not get there." Yogi Berra

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Mr. Hollywood says on Apr 9, 2008, 08:05:

I understand the hostility from Colombians. France has done virtually nothing to help Colombia through either humanitarian or military aid. Its citizens continue to support the violence in Colombia by purchasing a lot of cocaine and, yet, in a moment when the French government could be doing something to help all of the hostages suffering in the jungle it focuses all the attention on one French individual, ultimately to her detriment.

It's hard to be impressed by that track record.

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adrimm says on Apr 9, 2008, 08:10:

I agree, it is a rudely titled post.

The whole situation is very unfortunate becuase I think that if there are governements that could have made diplomatic inroads with them (Farc) it would have been France, and with this government, Spain.

The fact that Farc are totally closed to talking or negotiating with the proud vive-la-revolucion-France, is basically one more giant nail in the coffin for them.

Not that one could before, but more so than ever, no one can dare argue that there should be sympathy for Farc.

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droble77 says on Apr 9, 2008, 09:44:

Hollywood, I'm really not sure whether Colombians are all that "hostile" to French. At least not from my personal experience: whenever a Colombian chica mentions "so and so is getting married to a Frenchman" they always follow that with "es un gran hombre" almost as if they're jealous! ;)

And by the way the #1 consumer of cocaine in the EU is SPAIN, but that doesn't stop Colombia from having very decent relations with "la madre patria"

Colombia actually has more economic ties with Germany than France but that hasn't made Germany any more helpful than France either, or has it??

I do agree there's a lot of BS involved with the whole Betancourt thing and Sarkozy isn't looking too hot with all the song and dance.

But taking a piss on all the French for that alone is a bit much IMHO although I am no francophile, I personally think a lot of French culture is overrated but maybe that's just my taste. ;)

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Mr. Hollywood says on Apr 9, 2008, 09:54:

Droble, I have no personal axe to grind with France or the French. I actually think it's a lovely country with plenty to recommend it. But I know a fair number of Colombians who are pissed at the French monomania for Ingrid and seeming lack of compassion for the Colombians in the same sad situation.

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vicshere says on Apr 9, 2008, 09:54:

i think chavez has this farc thing in his back pocket.....these other wouldnt do shit without this boner chavez

listo

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Sam Salmon says on Apr 9, 2008, 19:29:

"The nastiness of the title is just a sign of pure ignorance."

LOL!!!

The French deserve every single smack in the mouth they get-they have consistently acted in a rude and supremely ignorant manner through this whole sad affair-remember them sending a plane into the Brasilian jungle without even bothering to consult with Brasil-it's no wonder someone wasn't killed.

Ever seen photos of Nuestra Señora Ingrid demos in France?

Ever seen any mention any mention of the other hostages?

The French have done exactly SFA for Colombia except sell then Renaults-some of the worst cars on the road.

' a la orden!'

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RAAAY says on Apr 9, 2008, 20:08:

She's French....!! Well, French Colombian or Colombian French...........A French citizen, none the less.

What is so hard to fathom about their justifiable concern ?

Watch an American news report about an airliner going down with 300 passangers.
Newsman.." 300 people were killed today in an aeroplane crash in Pakistan, no Americans were on the flight...................and now for Sports..."

Or..............Newsman............. " 300 people were killed today in an aeroplane crash in Pakistan........one American was killed........stand by.......we have live team coverage from Dan Rather in Islamibad........In Washington, Tom Brokaw and Mickey Mouse in London.."
Also, in studio we have the victim's third cousin and later we will be going via satilite............."

..............

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

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robi666 says on Apr 9, 2008, 20:30:

The thing is that, for what is contained in RR's computer about her proud ways, Ingrid would probably be the first in saying "I go for last".

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

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SiV says on Apr 9, 2008, 21:07:

Well, the French govt. provides Colombia with some US$ 8 million per year in international development funding. Not a huge amount, but not bad either.

Careful with the nationalistic/ jingoist slurs, too. As Einstein once said, "Nationalism is an infantile sickness. It is the measles of the human race."

Stultórum númere infinitum est.

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poco says on Apr 9, 2008, 22:47:

Droble Quote: Although I'm not really big on French cuisine, culture, literature, or cinema (could take or leave most of it), I just don't understand all the France hating on this board. Really, it's laughable.

This means you’re a relatively new guy with very little history on this board.

French,, who cares,, that was my thinking but thanks to a healthy dose of PBH my eyes were opened. Now, hardly a month goes by without the French doing something stupid.

I’m not alone,, do a google search,, ENTER: --- French military victories --- ,,, hit the (I’m feeling lucky button) and see what is found:>)

Which country made this statement and why: One deputy demanded the expulsion of French diplomats, saying they "would do better not to treat us like one of their African colonies". Funny stuff.

A big faux pas: Botched Ingrid release attempt in 2003.
(are they still trying to redeem themselves?)

At first the French denied ANY PART of negotiations to release Ingrid. As evidence accumulated (like they didn’t know they were caught !) they relented but the French SWEAR there was NEVER a promise of arms for hostages. (wonder if they used Jimmy Carter as a consultant)
=========
2003 Bungle in the Jungle. (catchy title) http://tinyurl.com/6ost36
Now France stands accused of secretly negotiating with one of the world's most dangerous terrorist organisations behind the backs of the governments of Brazil and Colombia, both of which insist that they were never informed about the proposed rescue mission in their territories.
=============

France will pursue any national endeavor that could flatter their socialized Narcissism.

"When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." Quote - General Tommy Franks

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droble77 says on Apr 10, 2008, 06:29:

And the U.S. doesn't pursue any national endeavor that would flatter our capitalized narcissism? Puh-leeze, give me a break!

Sorry not impressed by your example (or your senior membership status), especially as the U.S. has made various boo-boos in the past helping Colombia in the Escobar years and afterwards with the FARC. Not that I'm criticizing the U.S., these things are hard.

Again, people are just projecting their own personal anti-France biases.

There's plenty to criticize the Frenchies for, but the France trashing is just the usual internet infantile behavior that makes me avoid posting in the first place. . .

As for the "France only cares about Ingrid" complaint, well boo-fucking-hoo. Would ANY other country act different? Didn't a U.S. politician fly down recently about the 3 U.S. captives, did he fly down for anyone else? ;)

And any resentment expressed by Colombians is probably more to do with the Betancourt family's prominence (and their "French connection") than with the Frenchies themselves. That is typical "playa hating" Those are the usual feelings people all across the world have for the lucky folks who live in Estrato 6. . . ;)

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billyb says on Apr 10, 2008, 07:02:

" whenever a Colombian chica mentions "so and so is getting married to a Frenchman" they always follow that with "es un gran hombre" almost as if they're jealous! ;)"

droble77, exactly how many times have you heard that? I'm guessing you heard it only once.

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slguy says on Apr 10, 2008, 07:38:

"There's plenty to criticize the Frenchies for, but the France trashing is just the usual internet infantile behavior that makes me avoid posting in the first place."

hmmmm...ever spent any time in any former french colonies? If you had, you would know that they leave their unfounded arrogance behind, wherever they go. Calling anti-french sentiment infantile is akin to calling FARC support intelligent - it's easy, from afar. Go spend some time in Paris, or better yet, Abidjan - then proclaim distaste for french arrogance "infantile".

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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kalder says on Apr 10, 2008, 09:44:

It behoves us to bear in mind that all that snooty, self-serving, cynical jacobin crap that comes out of France is the domain of the political and cultural elites. Small town France is another world. Full of decent, hospitable, civilised people. Not a postmodernist or existentialist apologist for terrorism and dictatorship in sight.

"kalder- have you ever had a woman?"--Sam Salmon

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pedro says on Apr 10, 2008, 09:57:

Tomorrow's headline -- "Profesor Moncayo trudges home, feeling like a f***in' idiot"?

DRoble, you make a very good point. Considering we're on a travel forum, there's a disappointing amount of small minded people to be found.

que nota!

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Sam Salmon says on Apr 10, 2008, 11:18:

"socialized Narcissism"
LOL!
Gotta remember tha line.

' a la orden!'

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