"The Prince of Asturias Award for Concord bestowed on Ingrid Betancourt is an acknowledgment of the courage and tenacity with which all those held kidnap in the world face up to torture and the hardship to which they are subjected by terrorism, which is the most atrocious of all crimes against humanity", stated Colombia´s ambassador to Spain, Carlos Rodado Noriega.

"The Government and people of Colombia look with satisfaction on this acclaim, which also constitutes an acknowledgment of the efficacy and commitment of the Colombian Armed Forces, who, by means of a daring and bloodless action, managed to rescue fifteen people who were in the hands of outlawed groups.

[The Government] also reiterates its decision to guarantee the security and integrity of all citizens within the national territory and takes advantage of this occasion to appeal to the forces of subversion to lay down their arms and become involved in the democratic life of the country."

In this respect, the Ambassador reiterated that the National Security Policy remains as much in force as ever and efforts will not cease to achieve the freedom of those who still remain captive.

"Kidnapping constitutes an attack on the freedom, integrity and dignity of human beings," stated Ambassador Rodado Noriega.

Colombian Embassy in Spain
Madrid, 10th September 2008