Implications of the hostage rescue

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Highlighted Story 1: “Implications of the Colombian Hostage Rescue” The liberation of former Colombian presidential candidate, Ingrid Betancourt, along with three Americans and eleven Colombian hostages was not just an exemplary military operation carried out by the Colombian army but was an action that could have far wider implications. It was a major blow which could be the beginning of the end of a 40 year old guerilla movement known as The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

Highlighted Story 2: “Thank you, Mr. Uribe” Those of us who have been following the news about the hostages’ inferno at the hands of the narco-terrorist group known as the FARC are still amazed by the brilliant rescue of fifteen of them last week by the Colombian military, including eleven policemen and armed forces personnel and their most valuable captives: Ingrid Betancourt and the three American contractors. Although most world leaders are praising President Uribe and the Colombian armed forces for the stunning outcome, there are some who received the news as a blow.  

Main News:

• Chvez-Uribe meeting soon


• Colombian Santos: “We know the whereabouts of guerrilla leaders.” Captivity was hell, Betancourt tells CNN Larry King . Betancourt asks Uribe to accept help from anybody, even Chvez. Uribe should soften his tone with FARC: Betancourt . Colombian Military Uses Betancourt’s Voice to Urge FARC to Disarm. Former hostage Luis Eladio Prez leaves Colombia after death threats. Chvez talks with Ingrid Betancourt.


• US prosecutor ratifies Venezuelan govn’t links to the suitcase scandal. Inflation climbs 15.1 percent in first half. Chvez to establish joint venture with Correa in Ecuador.


• El Salvador: Chavism threat reported


• Ecuador ‘s Correa seizes TV stations


• Pdvsa drill begins searching for gas in Bolivia. Issuance of ID cards funded by Venezuela investigated in Bolivia.


• Argentine Court Upholds Legality of Grain Tax


• Nicaragua ‘s Ortega threatens opposition for conspiring’ with US help


• Peru : Some farmers strike over trade


• Six Charred Bodies Found in Tijuana as Drug Violence Escalates in Mexico

View the full version of the Americas Report (PDF) 

Nancy Menges
Editor in Chief – “Americas Report”

Nicole M. Ferrand
Editor – “Americas Report”

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