Resolution on the release of FARC’s 15 hostages and the demonstration on July the 20th

Colombian Unión of Young Democrats, Considering, 1.    The release of FARC's 15 hostages on last Wednesday, July the 2nd, among them French-Colombian and former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, 3 American citizens and 11 Colombian police and military men. 2.    That the happiness caused by the release of the 15 hostages and the successful operation carried out by the government on July the 2nd, has veiled the call of diverse Colombian and foreign public opinion that  the executive should respect the constitution and the other powers,  during the very previous days. 3.    That UCJD has so far supported all demonstrations which condemn violent organizations. 4.    The announcement of a demonstration for the freedom of the rest of the hostages on July the 20th in all Colombian and world's cities. 5.    That UCJD has so far called to reject continuously all forms of violence and to transcend the sentences made in the calls to demonstrate. To report any violent action; to refrain from making business with people or companies apparently linked to violent groups; to talk about the reality of the conflict and the violent groups with friends from abroad, as well as to refuse voting for candidates or parties apparently supported by violent organizations, are easy examples of ways by which Colombians can condemn all forms of violence every day.   Taking into consideration: That life and freedom are inalienable rights that we all must defend.   Resolves: 1.    To express a big joy and happiness because of the release of the 15 hostages but at the same time sadness because of all those still kept under captivity. 2.    To support and join the demonstration of July the 20th and call all its members, supporters, friends and all the community living in Colombia and all over the world to come out to the streets to advocate for freedom and peace in our country. 3.    Once more, to call upon all citizens to be aware of any type of political manipulation to be intended for these free and spontaneous demonstrations of Colombian civil society and the international community. 4.    To call all the Colombian society and the international community to congratulate the government for its success in the intelligence's operation, which brought all 15 hostages safe and sound, but at the same time to be aware of the rest of its policy actions, such as the hasty sentences against the justice resorting to the will of the people. Results are not excuse to not observe checks and balances that are due to exist in a democracy.  5.    To reject military action to be a way of overcoming hostage's situation and to urge parties of the conflict, both the government and FARC-EP, to take political and humanitarian responsibility on prioritizing dialogue in the framework of a negotiated way for an humanitarian agreement, to end the torture of all hostages of being kidnapped, besides their political, military or economical condition. 6.    Besides this demonstration of July the 20th, to call upon the Colombian society and the whole international community to not give in demanding freedom for all hostages as well as urgent peace for Colombia after a long intern armed conflict.    Colombian Union of Young Democrats, July the 14th 2008. Blog UCJD