{news} Fw: USGP-INT Radio France Interview with Clara Rojas

Mon Jan 28 08:18:14 EST 2008

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Carl Romanelli 
To: Green Party International ; Media US Greens 
Sent: Sunday, January 27, 2008 10:47 AM
Subject: USGP-INT Radio France Interview with Clara Rojas

Here is new information from Colombia.
Peace,
Carl Romanelli/PA

Clara Rojas' exclusive interview with Radio France International (RFI) - a personal message for Ingrid Betancourt.
25/01/2008 - NewsPress, CyberPress
Clara Rojas was interviewed by Veronique Gaymard in Madrid, where she took part in an Annual Conference on victims of terrorism. Two weeks after her being set free, she gave RFI her first interview with international media.
"I often listened to Radio France International. I had short wave radio and they broadcasted very good programmes, as well as lots of information about Ingrid. I am sure she still listens because when we were held together, she used to get RFI on the little radio we shared. And afterwards, I continued to listen to programme sin Spanish and French."

RFI: How are you feeling now, Clara?
I feel happy because I have been reborn; I have returned to life and, of course, what motivated me most was to find my little son again. I am delighted with him and the way in which he answers me is fascinating. He is feeling better and better each day. And of course, as he realises his importance and the part he played in the situation, this pleases him very much. 
RFI: After six years in captivity, you left behind other hostages. What do you wish to say to them, in particular Ingrid Betancourt, with whom you shared part of your captivity?
I ask them to have courage, because there is a real movement that had been undertaken to have them freed.
I had a meeting yesterday with President Zapatero and President Uribe. They asked me what I thought of the situation. So I insisted on the importance of reaching an agreement with concessions on both sides so that hostages could be freed quickly. 
The Catholic Church's proposal is on offer. But I told them of my concerns because there are conflicting reports about this. On one hand, the Church states it has already made contact with FARC, but FARC deny this, at least in the reports I have with me. So I told them that are vital to make sure of the existence of a channel by which they can have a reliable contact with FARC. If the Church has already made contact, which it provides evidence of this, as Hugo Chavez did when he was involved. Because the families expect this. It seems to me that it is necessary that a greater effort be made to set up a direct link with FARC in order to get tangible results, as was the case, for me, for my son and all the people who were freed finally. This effort must be made because the hostages are not well, either physically or emotionally, and especially Ingrid from what one can see in the proof of life video. It is crazy that she, as a woman, ought to carry such a burden. 
FRI: When did you last see Ingrid? When were you separated?
It must be nearly three years. It was in October 2005.so two and a half years.
RFI: You had just given birth to your child?
I had just had him. We had just completed a" march'' as they call them, and it was then that we were divided into several groups. Ingrid and I were placed in two different groups. I stayed with the group where my son was and since then I had not had any news of her until I saw the proofs of life which worried me very much. Because she appears to be physically and psychologically weak.
So I took the initiative, I spoke to President Chavez to ask him to do something to get Ingrid freed as quickly as possible. Because I 'm telling you that if my liberation succeeded, it was thanks to President Chavez. So we must overcome obstacles and try to do what is necessary to free the hostages who remain.
It seems that the International Red Cross will undertake a mission. But rather than establishing contact with the hostages, it would be more beneficial if they found a way to free them all, once and for all.
RFI: After six years in captivity, we are surprised to find you so spirited. We were all impressed by your healthy appearance the day you were freed.
 Of course, I also have concerns but I was able to overcome them by making an .. effort.For a long time I had the idea that one day I would find my son again and so I would need to be in good shape. So I made great efforts to keep well, at least in spirit.  My child has to be well looked after and we will need some time  and a quiet time for both of us to be able to recover. But, meanwhile, we are taking advantage of this first happy time, finding liberty once
   RFI: Now, you chose to come to Europe, but with your son and your mother, a few days after your liberation.
Sure. My mother had agreed a long time ago to take part in this conference. She wanted to come to fulfil her promise. And as they extended their invitation to my son and me, we agreed to make an effort to come. And it proved very useful, because we were able to speed up the process to get papers for my son. Result, I have all the necessary documentation, and that pleased me a lot".
RFI: Have you a message for Ingrid Betancourt?
"That she be reassured , that here there are many people who not only love her  but are working hard so that she may come back. I have already had preliminary contacts with the French government to visit France. There was even a possibility that I go there this weekend, but passport problems and medical checks I must take means I must make this journey a little later. In France I  will meet  the Ingrid Betancourt support committees. They contacted me as soon as I was liberated, sending me details of their campaign. It was impressive. So there are many people working for her. Ingrid must be certain , that,  as far as I am concerned, I will continue to do everything in my power. When I meet someone, the first person I think of, is Ingrid. The day before yesterday I was at the Spanish Parliament and I felt strange because I felt her presence when listening to people speaking about her. She is such a terrific person that it would be great to have her here soon so she can tell us what she has been through".   

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