CSN Statement on Bishop Jimenez and Father Orjuela
CSN-Madison, November 13, 2002
The COLOMBIA SUPPORT NETWORK strongly condemns the kidnapping last Monday November 11 of Monsignor Jorge Enrique Jimenez, Bishop of Zipaquira and President of the Latin American Bishops Conference (CELAM), and Reverend Desiderio Orjuela, parish priest of Pacho, Cundinamarca.
COLOMBIA SUPPORT NETWORK urges the persons responsible for this despicable act immediately and unconditionally to release Monsignor Jimenez and Father Orjuela, healthy and without injury.
COLOMBIA SUPPORT NETWORK totally rejects kidnapping as a political tool to obtain change and economic benefits. These should come from the operation of a just and equitable society and economy and not from forced conditions. Everybody has the right to life , freedom and personal security.
COLOMBIA SUPPORT NETWORK calls for a negotiated solution to the conflict in Colombia and for a humanitarian unconditional release of all persons deprived of their freedom.
COLOMBIA SUPPORT NETWORK expresses its solidarity to the Colombian Bishops Conference, CELAM, to the parish of Pacho and to the relatives and friends of Bishop Jimenez and Father Orjuela.