Statement by Mr. Masahiko Koumura, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) Hostages Rescued by Colombian National Army

July 3, 2008

The Government of Japan sincerely congratulates the Government of Colombia on its success in safely rescuing fifteen hostages who had been detained by the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia), including former Colombian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt. Thinking of hard experiences of the fifteen hostages over their long years of captivity, and also those of their family members, Japan is delighted to join them in celebrating this good news.
The Government of Japan takes this opportunity to strongly condemn abduction as a despicable act.
To support peace building in Colombia, Japan has provided more than 110 million U.S dollars of assistance with focus on support for internally displaced persons, education, and measures against antipersonnel landmines, in cooperation with other donors. Japan will continue to support actively Colombia’s peace-building efforts.

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