Colombia has had a special place in my heart for 40 years, and it’s been a torturous process to watch my Colombian friends struggle to make their country safe and respectable. I’m pleased that the Colombian government continues to follow through on its promises to limit violence in the country and bring lawbreakers to justice. This is yet another signal to the United States that Colombians are serious about building on the progress they have made.

I’m especially proud of the Colombian government for putting their competence and sophistication on display for the world. Rescuing these hostages without firing a shot further illustrates how far their government has come in such a short time.

The reunion of Ingrid Betancourt and the three American hostages with their families gives us a face to put on the advances that are being made in Colombia, and I will continue my work to keep our two countries close.

Note: Rep. Farr served with the Peace Corps in Colombia from 1964 to 1966.

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 3rd, 2008 at 3:32 pm and is filed under Politics, Foreign Policy .