MESSAGE FROM COLOMBIA ON RELEASE OF KIDNAP VICTIMS

VATICAN CITY, NOV 18, 2002 (VIS) - The Permanent Committee of the Episcopal Conference of Colombia made public today a message, dated November 15, the day that Bishop Jorge Enrique Carvajal of Zipaquira, president of CELAM, and Fr. Desiderio Orjuela were released after being kidnapped on November 11.

In the message, Cardinal Pedro Rubiano Saenz, archbishop of Bogota and president of the Episcopal Conference of Colombia, and Bishop Fabian Marulanda Lopez, secretary general of the episcopate, write that the kidnapping "has provoked an enormous reaction of rejection ... and a public declaration of solidarity and recognition of the Church as an institution that has made significant contributions to the cause of reconciliation and peace."

The release of the two victims, reads the message, was possible "thanks to uninterrupted prayer. We express our recognition to the president of the republic and to his government, to the National Security Forces, especially the Army and the national police."

"The understanding and solidarity expressed in messages and communiques sent from within and outside the country, have emphasized the unity of the Colombian people and the faith of their Christian communities, as well as their confidence in and love for the Church. While we express our satisfaction that this painful event has been overcome, we make an appeal that the country might soon have ready the news of an accord that puts an end to the kidnapping of so many Colombians."

After stressing that kidnapping is "a detestable act, an atrocious crime, an offense that violates the basic rights of freedom, life, dignity and the security of the person," they write that "it is the duty of the State and responsibility of all citizens to prevent extreme cases of the crime. For this reason, while we condemn all expressions of violence, we urge everyone to confront decisively the phenomena that are at the root of criminal conduct, among them poverty, unemployment, injustice and corruption."

"Our message endeavors to carry to all those who have been kidnapped a voice of solidarity. We give them the assurance that we will continue to be committed to fighting for the elimination of this scourge that has deprived them of the joy of living in freedom. ... We conclude this message by repeating once again the call to pray insistently for peace in Colombia and for the release of everyone who has been kidnapped."

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