McGovern clarifies contact with Colombia rebel group ( Sen. Piedad Córdoba #2 )

McGovern clarifies contact with Colombia rebel group

U.S. Rep. James McGovern readily admits he has been in contact with a Colombian rebel group through third parties, but said his efforts have nothing to do with his opposition to a free trade agreement with the South American country.

The Wall Street Journal, in an editorial on Tuesday, criticized McGovern, linking his contacts with the group FARC - the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia - with his attempts to defeat the trade agreement favored by President Bush and the Colombian government.

McGovern, D-Worcester, said he has been talking to people who can get in touch with FARC, including a representative of the Colombia government, in an effort to negotiate the release of hostages, which include Americans.

McGovern said his efforts and those of other congressmen are well known to the Bush administration and the Colombian government and neither has objected.

His involvement in the situation started last year when relatives of the hostages asked him to try to secure their freedom, he said.

McGovern said he offered to negotiate with FARC, but his offer was never accepted.

He said he has been able to help secure evidence that the hostages are still alive.

The congressman said his interest is in helping "dozens and dozens" of hostages who are held in "horrible conditions" in the jungles of Colombia. Some of the hostages have been held for up to 10 years, he said.

McGovern said he has no affinity for FARC, which Colombia and the United States considers a terrorist group, but recognizes the only way to free the hostages is to talk to FARC leaders.

"Trying to get their release in no way, shape or form means I think the FARC is a good force. They're awful. Everybody hates the FARC," he said.

In the editorial, The Wall Street Journal notes that McGovern's name was found in the computer files of a FARC official killed by Colombian forces.

The paper also noted that McGovern is opposed to the free trade agreement for Colombia, and links his opposition to his contacts with a go-between with FARC, although the editorial offered no proof of a connection.

"We think the documents reveal something else entirely: Some Democrats oppose the Colombian trade deal because they sympathize more with FARC's terrorists than with a U.S. antiterror ally," the paper stated.

McGovern said the claim of a link is false.

He said he opposes the trade agreement because Colombian's government is one of the most anti-union governments in the world.

Union activists and human rights advocates are routinely abused and threatened, he said.

He said his opposition to the deal dates back several years, long before he got involved in the hostage negotiations.

Besides, he said, the trade agreement is between the governments of the United States and Colombia and FARC has no say in the issue.

"The Wall Street Journal editorial page is not known for its accuracy or being reasonable and rational," he said.

By DodgerDogs on Mar 26, 2008, 16:10 in Politics & the war.

DodgerDogs says on Mar 26, 2008, 16:12:

It seems he is the United States version of Sen. Piedad Córdoba .

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.Martin Luther King:

Mr. Hollywood says on Mar 26, 2008, 20:56:

At least he has the class to make it clear that there are more hostages than just the three who happen to share his nationality.

I think the WSJ was out of line claiming his actions = sympathizing with the FARC.

goin_south says on Mar 26, 2008, 23:35:

Dog, lets go peacock bass fishin

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

DodgerDogs says on Mar 27, 2008, 00:05:

GS: ducks are not allowed to fish in Colombia , they are only allowed to hunt Pastusas.
fish

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.Martin Luther King: