MADRE Statements

Take Action: Demand Withdrawal of US Troops from Colombia

Posted on: Friday, August 6, 2010

Keywords: Colombia, Peace Building, Human Rights Advocacy, Latin America and the Caribbean

The following is an alert from our friends at SOA Watch. Take action to demand the withdrawal of US troops from Colombia below.

A group of nine SOA Watch activists is currently in Colombia to confront the escalation of U.S. policy in the region and to express solidarity with courageous Colombians working for peace and justice. On Tuesday, the group set up a vigil at the Tolemaida military base, where US soldiers are stationed. Yesterday, two busloads of 65 activists from Justicia y Paz, the Movement of Victims of State Crimes, the Mothers of Soacha (who are seeking justice for their children who were killed as part of the "false positive" scandal), SINALTRAINAL, and others arrived to join the 9-member SOA Watch delegation, who proceeded to block the entrance to the base. Activists held banners denouncing US intervention in Colombia as well as Iraq.

Father Roy Bourgeois said of the action: "It's a great joy to be in Colombia speaking with Colombians, with one voice, against U.S. domination and militarization. Our delegation has been deeply moved by the strength and spirit of so many Colombians struggling for a just peace in Colombia." National and international press reporting on the protest: Latin American Herald Tibune, El Espectador (Colombia), La Jornada (Mexico), TeleSUR (Venezuela), Common Dreams (United States).SOA Watch in Colombia SOA Watch in ColombiaLater today the SOA Watch delegation will leave the area and travel to Bogotá, is the capital city of Colombia. Tomorrow, the group will go to the U.S. embassy in Bogotá. Amplify the voices for justice and peace in Colombia by contacting ambassador Brownsfield now.

WHAT YOU CAN DO!

Call the U.S. embassy in Colombia at 011-571-315-0811 and tell them you support these protesters and oppose US military presence in the country. In addition, click here to send an email to the U.S. embassy in Colombia.

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