Hudson Commends Colombian Military On Rescue Of Hostages; Questions Van Hollen's Lack Of Support

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                               

CONTACT: Daniel Campos

Phone: 240-277-9941

Silver Spring, MD - Dr. Steve Hudson today commended Colombian President Alvaro Uribe and the brave military forces on their mission that liberated the 14 hostages including three Americans held captive by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

According to the Associated Press, "It was the most serious blow ever dealt to the 44-year-old FARC, which is already reeling from the recent deaths of key commanders and thousands of defections after withering pressure from Colombia's U.S.-trained and advised armed forces."

The FARC has used the multibillion-dollar Colombian cocaine trade to fund its operations. Colombia's four-decade-old conflict is now often a fight over drug-producing land involving the FARC, right-wing paramilitaries and other narcotics gangs.

On this day of great news, it is interesting to note Rep. Chris Van Hollen previously voted to cut military aid for Colombia by $100 million, according to Center for International Policy's Colombia Project.  If Mr. Van Hollen's wishes would have succeeded, the Colombian military would not have been sophisticated and strong enough to successfully carry out the hostage rescue mission as it did today.

In June 2005, Mr. Van Hollen said, "Until I am convinced that the funds to Colombia are fixing the problem instead of making it worse, I cannot support full funding for aid to Colombia."  Is he convinced now?

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