May 22, 1999:

CSN calls on U.S. citizens to write their elected representatives 

It is now clear that the kidnapping of Senator Piedad Cordoba de 
Castro was carried out by paramilitary warlord Carlos Castano in an 
attempt to destroy the fragile peace talks between the guerrillas and 
Colombian state (Castano is demanding to be part of them).

Please write or fax your respective Senators and Representatives 
letters along the lines of the enclosed model letter. We wish to 
express support for President Pastrana's peace process, 
condemnation for Carlos Castano and his paramilitaries, and support 
and concern for Senator Piedad Cordoba de Castro. We think it is 
important that world opinion reject Castano's attempted power play


Dear Senator / Representative XX :

We are very concerned about the kidnapping in Colombia of the 
President of the Human Rights Commission of the Colombian Senate, 
Senator PIEDAD CORDOBA DE CASTRO. She has been a tireless worker 
for protection of human rights and well being for all Colombians. 
Paramilitary commander Carlos Castano has admitted ordering 
Senator Cordoba's kidnapping, as a challenge to President Pastrana's 
decision to enter into peace negotiations with the FARC guerrillas 
without representation for the paramilitaries. 

We ask that you comunicate to President Clinton and Secretary of 
State Albright your support for the peace process undertaken by 
President Pastrana, without concessions to the paramilitaries, who 
had killed so many innocent Colombian citizens. We also ask that you 
request that our State Department convey your concerns, and those 
of your constituents, for the safe, immediate release of Senator 
Cordoba without conditions and for an immediate end to all 
Colombian military collaboration with Castano's paramilitaries.

Sincerely, 

(signature)
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Please send copies of correspondence to CSN. Thank you