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Locked on 07/01/2007 2:49:04 PM PDT by Lead Moderator, reason:
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Posted on 06/01/2007 7:57:59 PM PDT by nwctwx
|
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=padilla
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=josepadilla
#
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1843517/posts
“Padilla judge won’t toss FBI wiretaps”
AP on Yahoo ^ | 6/1/07 | Curt Anderson - ap
Posted on 06/01/2007 9:18:47 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
MIAMI
#
Previously...
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1838044/posts
“FBI intercepts key in Padilla case (decade-long investigation, 300,000 calls intercepted)”
AP on Yahoo ^ | 5/22/07 | Curt Anderson - ap
Posted on 05/22/2007 3:16:17 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
MIAMI
#
Previously...
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1835647/posts
~
http://www.washtimes.com/national/20070518-120156-4277r.htm
“7 Padilla prints on suspected al Qaeda form”
By Carmen Gentile
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
May 18, 2007
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “MIAMI — Fingerprints found on a purported al Qaeda training camp questionnaire discovered in Afghanistan match those of terrorist suspect Jose Padilla, a government analyst testified yesterday.
John Morgan, a Secret Service fingerprint specialist, said seven fingerprints on a “mujahedeen data form” match Mr. Padilla’s, who prosecutors say was attempting to join a terrorist training camp in southern Afghanistan in July 2000.”
http://www.memri.org/syria.html
http://memri.org/bin/articles.cgi?Page=countries&Area=syria&ID=SP160607
Special Dispatch Series - No. 1606
June 1, 2007 No.1606
“Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister and Government Press Warn of Grave Repercussions of UNSC 1757 for Lebanon”
###
http://talisman-gate.blogspot.com/2007/06/perfect-enemy.html
June 1, 2007 Edition > Section: Opinion >
“The Perfect Enemy”
BY NIBRAS KAZIMI
June 1, 2007
URL: http://www.nysun.com/article/55690
PERSECUTION.ORG
http://www.persecution.org
#
http://www.washingtontimes.com/world/20070601-103635-9310r.htm
“Pakistani Christian gets death for purported slur of prophet”
By Munir Ahmad
ASSOCIATED PRESS
June 2, 2007
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan —
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “”I met with Younis Masih at a jail in Lahore, and he told me that he respects Islam and its prophet,” Mr. Bhatti said, adding Masih told him that dozens of Muslims thrashed him on Sept. 10, 2005, when he asked them not to sing loudly because his nephew had died, and his body was still lying at home.
“It was Younis Masih’s only mistake,” Mr. Bhatti said, adding that a group of Muslims began beating him and handed him over to police, who registered a case against him under the blasphemy laws. “
PERSECUTION.ORG
http://www.persecution.org
#
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2007/s07060010.htm
ASSIST News Service (ANS) - PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net — E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
Friday, June 1, 2007
Christian Nursing students in Pakistan accused of blasphemy
Christian Principal of the School of Nursing suspended
By Sheraz Khurram Khan
Special Correspondent for ASSIST News Service in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN (ANS) — At least four Christian nursing students of the nursing school situated in the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in the capital Islamabad have been accused of desecrating Quranic verses, ANS has learnt.
According to a news release from the Christian Study Centre in Rawalpindi, the nursing students including Edna, Seemab, Kanwal Bakhtawar, and another Christian student, whose name could not be ascertained, were accused, of desecrating Quranic verses placed in the classroom.
It quoted some sources as saying that the incident of alleged desecration of the Quranic verses was disclosed on the morning of May 17 whereas some said it was made public on May 28.
It went on to say that the matter remained at low-profile until Friday, June 1 when the students of the nursing school and college voiced their protest against the alleged blasphemy by chanting slogans. It said some ground and paramedical staff also joined the protesting students.
The Principal of the Nursing school, Ms. Stella, and a teacher, Fazila Khokhar, along with the students accused of blasphemy were suspended immediately in the wake of the incident, it said.
The Police First Information Report (FIR) has not been lodged yet against the accused. It maintained that the suspended principal of the nursing school attended the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) committee’s meeting that is probing the matter.
“We request all friends to pray for the girls, teacher and principal, so that God may keep us in His safe hands and also for our Muslim friends so that they may remain cool and resolve the matter through negotiation,” said a spokesperson for the Christian Study Centre, Rawalpindi.
Some 150 Muslim clerics gathered outside the hospital on Friday. In view of the charged atmosphere, security in and around the hospital has been beefed up, it said.
The writer is a freelance journalist based in Pakistan.
** You may republish this story with proper attribution.
The quintessence of scare mongering...think about it (mkay).
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=globaljihad
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=thailand
###
http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/016721.php
(AP)
June 1, 2007
“”Thai Buddhists will never live peacefully. You will be killed cruelly””
“”We will give Thai Buddhists three days to leave our land. Otherwise, we will kill you and burn your houses. ... Thai Buddhists will never live peacefully. You will be killed cruelly.””
NA PRADU, Thailand -
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Twenty-five beheadings _ including 10 already this year _ have been reported in southern Thailand since an Islamic-inspired insurgency erupted in 2004, claiming more than 2,200 lives. Militants in the heavily Muslim region seek independence from mostly Buddhist Thailand.
“Beheadings are certainly on the rise outside of the Middle East proper,” said Timothy Furnish, professor of Middle Eastern history at Georgia Perimeter College. “These groups do take their cues from ... hardcore Islamic thought coming out of the Arab world. Beheading infidels not only shocks, but also demonstrates Islamic bona fides to other groups.””
[...]
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “”The inspiration is clearly coming across the Internet or through DVDs clips,” said Zachary Abuza, an expert on terrorism in Southeast Asia at Simmons College in Boston.
“Islamist militants in Southeast Asia are very frustrated that the region is considered the Islamic periphery,” Abuza added. “... Militants of the region are actively trying to pull the region into the Islamic core. They want people to understand that their jihad is a part of the global jihad.””
###
http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/016710.php
(AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE)
June 1, 2007
“Jihadists kill 11 Thai soliders in ambush”
YALA, Thailand
#
Previously...
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1833476/posts
~
Asia-Pacific News
“Insurgents behead Thai-Buddhist, kill wife, injure daughter”
May 14, 2007, 7:51 GMT
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Pattani, Thailand - Separatist insurgents on Monday shot dead a Thai-Buddhist couple working as fruit pickers in the majority-Muslim area of Bannang Sata, Yala provine and injured their three-year-old daughter, police said.
After gunning down Praphan Ponlarak, 36, and his wife Chaddakan, the assailants decapitated Praphan, making him the 29th victim to be beheaded in Thailand’s troubled deep South since the region’s separatist insurgency took a turn for the worse in January 2004. Their daughter was admitted to Bannang Sata hospital, 780 kilometres south of Bangkok, for treatment
Also on Monday, two Thai-Muslim labourers were gunned down in Kabang district, Yala, killing Luesong Hayiwale, 50, and seriously injuring Mahamu Samae, 41. On Sunday the bullet-riddled bodies of a Thai-Muslim couple working in a Bannang Sata rubber plantation were found by police.
‘The insurgents are trying to sow hatred between Thai-Muslims and Thai-Buddhists and terrorize the area,’ said Bannang Sata Police Sub-Lieutenant Than Serikan.”
Previously...
OSINT.INTERNET-HAGANAH.com: (NEWS FIRST CLASS - Hebrew, Jonathan D. Halevi): "HAMAS, AL QAEDA COOPERATING" (ARTICLE SNIPPET: "Hamas and a branch of al-Qaeda are cooperating for terror attacks against Israel. A Palestinian security source has confirmed that the Army of Islam is a branch of al-Qaeda and was responsible for the kidnapping of IDF soldier Gilad Shalit in a joint operation with Hamas, and also for the kidnapping of the British journalist.") (NOTE: "See also Hamas Activists Moving Over to Al-Qaeda - Jonathan D. Halevi (News First Class-Hebrew)") (May 14, 2007, 15:29 GMT)
http://www.usdoj.gov/nsd
http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fara/index.html
###
http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2007/May/07_nsd_395.html
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2007
WWW.USDOJ.GOV
“National Security Division Announces Enhanced
Foreign Agents Registration Act Website”
WASHINGTON
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/06/20070601-10.html
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
June 1, 2007
Statement by the President on Detention of American Citizens by the Iranian Regime
White House News
Several of our fellow American citizens — including Haleh Esfandiari, Parnaz Azima, Kian Tajbakhsh, and Ali Shakeri — are being held against their will by the Iranian regime. I strongly condemn their detention at the hands of Iranian authorities. They should be freed immediately and unconditionally.
These individuals have dedicated themselves to building bridges between the American and Iranian people, a goal the Iranian regime claims to support. Their presence in Iran — to visit their parents or to conduct humanitarian work — poses no threat. Indeed, their activities are typical of the abiding ties that Iranian-Americans have with their land of origin.
I am also disturbed by the Iranian regime’s refusal so far to provide any information on Robert Levinson, despite repeated U.S. requests. I call on Iran’s leaders to tell us what they know about his whereabouts.
The United States is committed to protecting its citizens at home and abroad. We will maintain our efforts on behalf of these citizens until all of them are reunited with their families.
# # #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/06/20070601-23.html
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/06/20070601-24.html
#
NOTE: The following text is a quote:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/06/20070601-20.html
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
June 1, 2007
Text of a Letter from the President
White House News
June 1, 2007
Dear Mr. Chairman:
This report to the Congress, under section 804(b) of the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act, 21 U.S.C. 1901-1908 (the “Kingpin Act”), transmits my designations of the following five foreign persons and one foreign entity for sanctions under the Kingpin Act and reports my direction of sanctions against them under that Act:
Victor Emilio Cazarez Salazar
Gulf Cartel
Jorge Mario Paredes Cordova
Haj Azizullah Alizai
Shahbaz Khan
Frederik Heinz Barth
Sincerely,
GEORGE W. BUSH
# # #
http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/hp427.htm
#
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/hp426.htm
May 29, 2007
HP-426
Treasury Designation Targets Sudanese
Government, Rebel Leader
The U.S. Department of the Treasury today blocked the assets of three Sudanese individuals, including two high-ranking government officials and a rebel leader, for their roles in fomenting violence and human rights abuses in Darfur. The Treasury also acted today to sanction 30 Sudanese companies owned or controlled by the Government of Sudan, and one company that has violated the arms embargo in Darfur.
“Even in the face of sanctions, these individuals have continued to play direct roles in the terrible atrocities of Darfur,” said Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson, Jr. “We are working to call attention to their horrific acts and further isolate them from the international community.”
Ahmad Muhammed Harun, Sudan’s State Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, has been accused of war crimes in Darfur by the International Criminal Court in the The Hague. Sudan’s head of Military Intelligence and Security, Awad Ibn Auf, was also designated today, along with Khalil Ibrahim, leader of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), a rebel group that has refused to sign the Darfur Peace Agreement.
Harun and Auf are among Khartoum’s senior leadership and have acted as liaisons between the Sudanese government and the Government-supported Janjaweed militias, which have attacked and brutalized innocent civilians in the region. The two individuals also have provided the Janjaweed with logistical support and directed attacks. Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed and more than 2.5 million people have been displaced by violence and war since 2003. Previously, Harun served as State Minister for the Interior, and played a central role in coordinating and planning military operations in Darfur between 2003 and 2005. In the 1990s he was responsible for massacres in the Nuba Mountains and was nicknamed “the Butcher of Nuba.”
Fighting between the Government of Sudan, the Janjaweed, and splintered rebel groups has continued unabated in Sudan, despite the signing of the African Union-brokered Darfur Peace Agreement in May 2006. The Government of Sudan and the largest rebel group, the Sudan Liberation Movement, signed the agreement, but other rebel groups, including the JEM, declined to do so. The JEM is responsible for violence and suffering in Darfur and Khalil Ibrahim, as leader of the JEM, is personally responsible for rebel activity aimed at further destabilizing the situation on the ground.
Today’s action brings to seven the number of Sudanese individuals for whom access to the U.S. financial system is prohibited under Executive Order 13400, which targets perpetrators of human rights abuses in Darfur in western Sudan. Azza Air Transport Company has also been sanctioned under Executive Order 13400 for transferring small arms, ammunition and artillery to Sudanese government forces and Janjaweed militia in Darfur.
An additional 30 companies have been designated today pursuant to Executive Orders 13067 and 13412 because they are owned or controlled by the Government of Sudan. These orders permit the imposition of economic sanctions on the Sudanese government for its continued support for international terrorism, ongoing efforts to destabilize neighboring governments, and human rights violations – in particular with respect to the conflict in Darfur. The United States first imposed sanctions on the Government of Sudan in 1997.
“These companies have supplied cash to the Bashir regime, enabling it to purchase arms and further fuel the fighting in Darfur,” added Paulson. “By denying these companies access to the U.S. and international financial system, we will make it harder for the Government of Sudan to pursue its deadly agenda.”
Among the companies designated in today’s action are GIAD Industrial City, which has supplied armored vehicles to the Sudanese government for military operations in Darfur; Sudatel, the national telecommunications company; and five firms in the petrochemical sector, including Advanced Petroleum Company, RAM Energy Company, Bashaier, Hi-Tech Petroleum Group, and Hi-Tech Chemicals.
As a result of Treasury’s designations, any assets these individuals and entities may have that are within U.S. jurisdiction must be frozen, and U.S. persons are prohibited from transacting or doing business with them.
The United States, the single largest international donor of humanitarian assistance to Sudan, has called for an end to the fighting in Darfur and for those responsible for crimes and atrocities to be brought to justice. In particular, the United States, along with the international community, is concerned about recent attacks on humanitarian workers in Darfur.
The United States continues to push for a peaceful political solution that will end the violence in Darfur and allow refugees and displaced persons to return to their homes.
A complete list of the individuals and entities designated today is posted at the following link: http://www.treasury.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/actions/20070529.shtml .
http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/terelbaneh.htm
MOST WANTED TERRORISTS: “JABER A. ELBANEH”
http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=ELBANEH&btnG=Search+News
###
UPDATE:
http://www.buffalonews.com/home/story/88532.html
“Yemen refuses to extradite Elbaneh”
By Dan Herbeck
Updated: 06/01/07 7:44 AM
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Jaber Elbaneh, described as one of the world’s most-wanted terrorism suspects, will not be turned over to American authorities to face charges that he helped to recruit and organize the “Lackawanna Six,” an official of Yemen’s government indicated Thursday.
An e-mail message from the Yemeni government was the first response to repeated questions from The Buffalo News on whether Elbaneh would ever be turned over to the United States following his surrender earlier this month.
“Jaber Elbaneh is a Yemeni Citizen and the constitution bars the extraditions of Yemeni Citizens to face foreign courts,” Mohammed Albasha, spokesman for Yemen’s embassy in Washington, told The News in an e-mail.
Kurtis Cooper, a State Department spokesman in Washington, said he could not comment on Elbaneh’s status or Albasha’s e-mail.
FBI spokesman Paul M. Moskal said the e-mail, to his knowledge, is the first public statement Yemen’s government has made on whether Elbaneh will be turned over to the United States.”
#
BLOG:
http://mypetjawa.mu.nu/archives/188095.php
May 30, 2007
“Wanted Terrorist Elbaneh Has to Stay Home”
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_915.html
Travel Warning
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520
This information is current as of today, Sat Jun 02 2007 02:37:07 GMT-0700.
CôTE D’IVOIRE
June 01, 2007
This revised Travel Warning updates U.S. citizens on ongoing safety and security concerns in Cote d’Ivoire. The Department of State continues to urge Americans to defer all non-essential travel to Cote d’Ivoire. This supersedes the Travel Warning of December 18, 2006.
Cote d’Ivoire has experienced continued, periodic episodes of political unrest and violence, sometimes directed against foreigners, since 2002 when a failed coup attempt resulted in civil war. Clashes between Ivorian government forces and ex-rebel forces resulted in the deaths of French peacekeepers and one American citizen in 2004. The security situation continues to be poor and unpredictable throughout the country, particularly in Abidjan and in the western part of Cote d’Ivoire.
In March 2007, after multiple peace accords and postponed national elections, Ivorian President Gbagbo and the New Forces rebel leader, Guillaume Soro, signed a peace agreement that established a new transitional government with Gbagbo as President and Soro as Prime Minister.
UN and French peacekeepers remain in the country. The new government is tasked with disarmament, demobilization, reintegration of former combatants, creating a national identification system, and organizing elections by early 2008. Most key tasks remain unaccomplished, and political violence could still break out unexpectedly at any time.
Given the tense and potentially volatile security situation, the Department of State urges American citizens to defer non-essential travel to Cote d’Ivoire. For those who must travel to Cote d’Ivoire despite this warning, the U.S. Embassy recommends extreme caution when traveling within the country. Shops and businesses are open, and travel throughout the south, although controlled by forces loyal to President Gbagbo is possible. Overland routes to the north, still controlled by the New Forces, are also open. The airport currently operates normally and handles a number of flights by regional and European carriers. Land routes to the Ghanaian border are open.
The Department of State continues to prohibit minor dependents from accompanying U.S. government employees assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan. Embassy employees are asked to limit their travel within Abidjan and to avoid travel at night. Private Americans are urged to follow the same guidelines. U.S. Embassy personnel must obtain prior approval before traveling north of Yamoussoukro, west of Sassandra, or east of Assinie (including to the Ghanaian border). Americans should ensure that their vehicles are fully fueled and that they have adequate cooking fuel, food, and water to last several days.
The new U.S. Embassy is located in the Riviera Golf neighborhood of the Cocody section of Abidjan. The Embassy may close to the public temporarily from time to time in response to security developments. U.S. citizens who remain in, or travel to, Cote d’Ivoire despite this Travel Warning should consult the Department of State’s latest Consular Information Sheet for Cote d’Ivoire and the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement at http://travel.state.gov . Americans should register with the U.S. Embassy by completing a registration form on-line at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp , by calling (225) 22-49-40-00, or faxing (225) 22-49-42-02. Americans in Cote d’Ivoire who need assistance should contact the Embassy at (225) 22-49-40-00. American citizens may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions in Cote d’Ivoire by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from all other countries.
Note: The following text is a quote:
https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=69061
you are here: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Caution Urged in North Cotobato
Consular Affairs Bulletins
East Asia / Pacific - Philippines
1 Jun 2007
Printer Friendly Email Article
Related Reports
10 May 2007
Philippine Elections Violence
27 Apr 2007
Travel Warning: Philippines
19 Apr 2007
Warden Message: Mindanao Bombing Threat
10 Apr 2007
Worldwide Caution Public Announcement
11 Jan 2007
Warden Message: Mindanao Bombings
U.S. Embassy Manila issued the following Warden Message on June 1, 2007:
The Embassy has information that terrorists may be planning to carry out bombings at bus terminals and public market places in Kidapawan and Makilala in North Cotabato, Mindanao over the next several days. U.S. citizens should exercise extreme caution in central Mindanao.
U.S. citizens living and working in central Mindanao are urged to reassess their personal security and to keep a low profile, and should avoid public gathering places.
For additional information, Americans should refer to the Travel Warning for the Philippines, issued April 27, 2007, as well as the Consular Information Sheet for the Philippines dated June 19, 2006.
American citizens with questions or concerns may telephone the Embassy at (63)(2) 528-6300. In case of an emergency outside business hours, American citizens may reach the Embassy duty officer through the Embassy operator at (63)(2) 528-6300. The U.S. Embassy is located at: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Philippines. The Consular American Citizen Services (ACS) section’s fax number is (63)(2) 522-3242 and the ACS web page is at http://philippines.usembassy.gov/wwwh3004.html .
Note: The following text is a quote:
https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=69060
you are here: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Lebanon Violence Intensification
Consular Affairs Bulletins
Middle East / N. Africa - Lebanon
1 Jun 2007
Printer Friendly Email Article
Related Reports
29 May 2007
Warden Message: Threat of Attacks in Lebanon
26 May 2007
Warden Message: Continuing Threats in Lebanon
21 May 2007
Warden Message: Lebanon Clashes
10 Apr 2007
Worldwide Caution Public Announcement
21 Feb 2007
Lebanon 2007 Crime & Safety Report
U.S. Embassy Beirut issued the following Warden Message on June 1, 2007:
On June 1, fighting intensified between Lebanese security forces and Fatah al-Islam militants in the Nahr el-Bared Palestinian camp in Northern Lebanon. The potential for related violence is high and the U.S. Embassy urges Americans in Lebanon to limit their movements in the coming days. We remind American citizens that Fatah al-Islam, the militant group Jund al-Sham, and Al-Qaeda have issued credible threats of attacks against Western-affiliated targets in Lebanon. The Embassy strongly urges Americans residing in Lebanon to avoid popular gathering spots or other public places where large numbers of people gather. The U.S. Embassy in Beirut continues to operate normally. All non-essential travel, however, by official Americans from the embassy compound is restricted as we assess security conditions. We urge Americans residing in Lebanon to maintain a high level of alertness and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.
For the latest security information, Americans should regularly monitor the Department’s web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and other Public Announcements can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
Americans living or traveling in Lebanon are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, http://travelregistration.state.gov , so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Lebanon. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
The Embassy is located in Awkar, near Antelias, Beirut, Lebanon. Public access hours for American citizens are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. However, American citizens who require emergency services outside of these hours may contact the Embassy by telephone at any time. The telephone numbers are (961-4) 542-600, 543-600, and fax 544-209. Website: http://lebanon.usembassy.gov .
http://www.expatica.com/actual/article.asp?subchannel_id=25&story_id=40418
(AFP)
“Jailed rebels in Colombia reject release offer”
BOGOTA, May 31, 2007 (AFP) - Imprisoned leftist guerrillas on Thursday rejected an offer to be released as a way to pressure their comrades to release 56 hostages, including three Americans and French-Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt.”
A bit of an update:
(Note: Includes video)
Note: The following news brief is a quote:
http://euronews.net/index.php?page=info&article=425471&lng=1
Colombia
02/06 08:26 CET
Prisoner transfer spurs hostage hopes in Columbia
Following the beginning of the release of rebel prisoners in Colombia there is renewed hope that Ingrid Betancourt and other hostages held by FARC guerrillas could soon be freed. It has been reported that, as a reciprocal gesture, a FARC representative will soon provide evidence that the French-Colombian politician is still alive.
President Alvaro Uribe recently announced plans to release hundreds of FARC prisoners in a bid to persuade the rebels to do the same with about 60 hostages, including Betancourt and three US defence contracters. Uribe was re-elected last year partly on promises to continue with a hard line against the rebels.
But France, Spain and Switzerland have been trying to broker new negotiations between the government and the militants. Betancourt was seized in 2002 while campaigning for the presidency. The FARC prisoners freed yesterday have been moved to a holding centre ahead of their eventual pending their ultimjhe.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Sat Jun 02 2007 02:56:46 GMT-0700.
Worldwide Caution
April 10, 2007
More details UPDATE:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,277212,00.html
(AP)
“U.S. Military Launches Strike Against Militant Base in Somalia”
Saturday, June 02, 2007
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