NEWS RELEASES
MANLEY WELCOMES PRISONER EXCHANGE IN COLOMBIA
June 6, 2001 (9:15 a.m. EDT) No. 75
MANLEY WELCOMES PRISONER EXCHANGE IN COLOMBIA
John Manley, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today welcomed the signing of an agreement
to free 42 infirm soldiers and police held by the Armed Revolutionary Forces of
Colombia (FARC), and 15 guerrillas imprisoned by the Government of Colombia.
"I am pleased that the humanitarian agreement between the Colombian government
and the FARC has been finalized and that these individuals can rejoin their families,"
said Mr. Manley. "Canada strongly supports efforts to find a negotiated solution to the
Colombian conflict. I hope this accord will create momentum toward further agreements
to protect the civilian population from the brutal effects of the armed conflict."
Minister Manley also commended Ambassador Guillermo Rishchynski for his efforts in
contributing to the achievement of this agreement. The prisoner exchange will be
observed by the Facilitation Commission, made up of ten countries which are assisting
the peace talks with the FARC. Canada, represented by Ambassador Rishchynski, is
currently co-ordinator of the Commission. Other members include Cuba, France, Italy,
Mexico, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Venezuela.
"This is the first concrete agreement signed by the two sides in more than two years of
peace talks," said David Kilgour, Secretary of State for Latin America and Africa. "It
represents a positive step forward."
This humanitarian accord is an important application of international humanitarian law,
which has been incorporated into the domestic laws of the Republic of Colombia. The
FARC have pledged to unilaterally release another approximately 100 detained police
and soldiers once the exchange takes place.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Sanjeev Chowdhury
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Tasha Stefanis
Office of the Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa)
(613) 944-2162
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
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