MSPs Lobby for Kidnapped Colombian Green Women(international Women's Day 2002)
Fri., March 08, 2002. 00:00.
On International Women's Day (today 8 March), Green MSP Robin Harper is asking fellow MSPs to support two women kidnapped recently in Colombia whilst working for peace and democracy.
Ingrid Betancourt, Presidential candidate and Leader of the Colombian Green Party (Partido Verdo Oxigeno), together with her campaign manager Clara Rojas were kidnapped after they entered the former demilitarised zone of San Vicente del Caguan in Colombia, allegedly by opposition rebel forces. Green Parties across the world are asking their own governments put pressure on the Colombian Government to secure the release of the two women.
On International Women's Day (today 8 March), Green MSP Robin Harper is asking fellow MSPs to support two women kidnapped recently in Colombia whilst working for peace and democracy.
Ingrid Betancourt, Presidential candidate and Leader of the Colombian Green Party (Partido Verdo Oxigeno), together with her campaign manager Clara Rojas were kidnapped after they entered the former demilitarised zone of San Vicente del Caguan in Colombia, allegedly by opposition rebel forces. Green Parties across the world are asking their own governments put pressure on the Colombian Government to secure the release of the two women.
Mr Harper has lodged a motion [1] in the Scottish Parliament and emailed all MSPs and their researchers to request they sign the motion. The motion stands little chance of being debated but at the end of next week, once signatures are gathered, the Green MSP intends to forward the motion to the UK Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw and inform the Colombian authorities. Already SNP MSPs Sandra White and Dorothy-Grace Elder have pledged their support. Mr Harper is hoping MSPs from other parties will join his call.
Notes For Editors:
[1]. Motion S1M-2865: Robin Harper: Appeal for Colombian Green Presidential Candidate Ingrid Betancourt - That the Parliament notes with concern the recent abduction and kidnapping in Colombia of Ingrid Betancourt, Presidential candidate and Leader of the Colombian Green Party (Partido Verdo Oxigeno), together with her campaign manager Clara Rojas; recognises that, despite threats to her life, Ingrid Betancourt has been a brave champion of peace and democracy in her troubled country; expresses concern that the two women remain in captivity and that fears for their safety are growing, and requests that Her Majesty's Government make the strongest possible representations to the Colombian Government that they do everything in their power to secure the safe release of the two women as a matter of urgency.
CONTACT:
Steve Burgess 07887 682 574
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