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Athletics concludes at London Paralympics with the marathon

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 07:24:16 GMT

Christie Dawes of Australia finishes fifth in the women's T54 marathon while setting an Oceania record
Image: Laura Hale.

Monday, September 10, 2012

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London, England — Yesterday, on the final day of competition, athletics concluded at the London Paralympics with the running and wheeling of the marathon for the men's T12, T46 and T54, and the women's T54. Spain and Great Britain both had a gold and a silver medal, Brazil and the United States had a gold each, Switzerland had a silver and a bronze medal, Colombia had a silver medal, and Tunisia, Australia and Belarus each had a bronze medal.

Alberto Suarez Laso of Spain set a world and European record in the T12 marathon with a time of 2:24:50. In the same event, Tunisian Abderrahim Zhiou set an African record with a time of 2:26:56 and Colomobian Elkin Alonso Serna Moreno set an Americas record with a time of 2:26:39. Despite failing to get a medal, Japanese Masahiro Okamura set an Asian record with a time of 2:28:51. In the women's T54 event, Australian Christie Dawes set an Oceania record with a time of 1:49:37.

Great Britain's gold medal was earned by David Weir, and was Weir's fourth gold medal earned in the London. This put Weir at the top of the individual gold medal count for London alongside Raymond Martin of the United States. Tatyana McFadden of the United States had a chance at four gold medals in London, but was unable to seriously compete after a pair of tire punctures mid-race that seriously slowed her down. McFadden conveyed her experiences in the race to the media, saying, "At 18 or 19 miles it went again, this always seems to happen to me in London. Luckily, I had a spare but I was bombed out. I just wanted to sit and cry but I also wanted to finish, there was only about six miles to go and I was determined I wasn't going to get another flat tyre]. [...] Finishing is the most important thing for me, it makes you a better person. I just wanted to compete and stay strong."

Swiss racer Edith Wolf quit the women's marathon mid-race after running into a hole on the course that left her without feeling in her left arm and neck, and required her to be hospitalized. Following the race, Wolf's husband and coach told the media, "She was really looking forward to the marathon. She was really prepared, so I think she's really disappointed. I think tomorrow she will wake up and see her four medals and she will be very happy." When questioned about the media, some of whom disappeared at the conclusion of the men's race, and specifically the media from Wolf's home country, he said, "There are not so many media here, which is disappointing. But now they have recognised this is really a great Games. This is the second biggest sports event in the world and they are not here, so it's their loss, they missed a big chance."

Colombia's German Naranjo Jaramillo served as Elkin Alonso Serena Morena's guide for the length of the marathon. Because of this, Jaramillo also earned a silver medal. Gold medalist Laso of Spain and bronze medalist Zhiou of Tunisia utilized multiple guides, and the guides were not eligible for medals. Other runners in the men's T12 marathon who had the same guide the whole race included ninth place Ildar Pomykalov of Russia who was guided by Aleksei Lashmanov, and Henry Wanyoike of Kenya who did not finish but was guided by Joseph Gachuhi.

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Colombian President announces peace talks with FARC rebels

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 05:01:44 GMT

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Colombia

Other stories from Colombia

10 September 2012: Athletics concludes at London Paralympics with the marathon
29 August 2012: Colombian President announces peace talks with FARC rebels
26 August 2012: 2012 Paralympic Village occupied by competitors as nations ready for the Games
27 July 2012: London Olympics organizers apologize after North Korea flag gaffe
19 April 2012: US Secret Service agents face investigation for Colombian sex scandal

...More articles here

Location of Colombia

To write, edit, start or view other articles on Colombia, see the Colombia Portal

FARC guerrillas marching during peace talks of 1998–2002.
Image: U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos announced on state television Monday that his government is to hold talks with FARC rebels who have been fighting the government since 1964. Regional media outlet Telesur said the negotiations will take place in Oslo, Norway on October 5 and will then continue in Cuba.

There has been a growing recognition in Colombia that after decades of war, only a peace settlement will allow the country to move forward. Colombian Chief Prosecutor Eduardo Montealegre commenting on Monday said the country "must move toward a peace process" whilst Daniel García-Peña, Peace Commissioner in the 1990s, said: "[...] I am upbeat. I think both the government and the FARC understand that continuing the war is senseless."

FARC renounced kidnapping in February and released the last of its non-civilian captives in April. Previous negotiations between the parties ten years ago failed.

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Sources [edit]

"Colombia agrees to hold peace talks with Farc rebels" — BBC News Online, August 28, 2012
"Colombian government seeking peace with FARC rebels" — Reuters, August 28, 2012
"Colombia, rebels to open peace talks: former VP" — Agence France-Presse, August 27, 2012

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2012 Paralympic Village occupied by competitors as nations ready for the Games

Sun, 26 Aug 2012 03:02:20 GMT

Sunday, August 26, 2012

London, England —

The Paralympic Village officially opened on Wednesday in London, with many nations having moved in as of Saturday in preparation for the start of the games. Press access has been limited, as Paralympic Games organisers are trying to give competitors as much privacy in the village as possible.

A Ukranian Paralympian
Image: Laura Hale.

A pair of Canadian Paralympians
Image: Laura Hale.

The Irish section of the village is decorated with signs bearing pictures
Image: Laura Hale.

A member of Team Great Britain uses a mobile phone while in the Village
Image: Laura Hale.

A member of the Cuban delegation
Image: Laura Hale.

Members of the Brazilian delegation
Image: Laura Hale.

Team Canada moves in a large group around the Village
Image: Laura Hale.

Two members of Team USA (right) pass an Angolan competitor (left).
Image: Laura Hale.

An Aremenian SB5 swimmer
Image: Laura Hale.

A Cuban Paralympian in the village
Image: Laura Hale.

A sign outside the Spanish part of the Paralympic Village
Image: Laura Hale.

Two members of the Iranian delegation
Image: Laura Hale.

An Iraqi competitor and an unnamed member of the United States delegation chat
Image: Laura Hale.

McDonalds is located inside the Paralympic Dining Hall; athletes receive meals free of charge.
Image: Laura Hale.

A Team Great Britain football player
Image: Laura Hale.

A pair of women from Uzbekistan
Image: Laura Hale.

Members of the Croatian delegation took out their umbrellas after it started to rain
Image: Laura Hale.

Senegal and Palestinian delegation members wait outside the gate to be officially welcomed to the Village
Image: Laura Hale.

A pair of Australians walk past the Hungarian part of the Paralympic Village
Image: Laura Hale.

A pair of Colombian Paralympians are guided around the Village by two Paralympic volunteers
Image: Laura Hale.

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London Olympics organizers apologize after North Korea flag gaffe

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 20:25:26 GMT

Friday, July 27, 2012

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Sources [edit]

Associated Press. "Olympics organisers display SKorea flag instead of Nkorea" — NDTV, July 26, 2012
Mike Collett. "WRAPUP 2-Olympics-Soccer-North Korea incident overshadows action" — Reuters, July 25, 2012

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US Secret Service agents face investigation for Colombian sex scandal

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:48:18 GMT

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Colombia

Other stories from Colombia

10 September 2012: Athletics concludes at London Paralympics with the marathon
29 August 2012: Colombian President announces peace talks with FARC rebels
26 August 2012: 2012 Paralympic Village occupied by competitors as nations ready for the Games
27 July 2012: London Olympics organizers apologize after North Korea flag gaffe
19 April 2012: US Secret Service agents face investigation for Colombian sex scandal

...More articles here

Location of Colombia

To write, edit, start or view other articles on Colombia, see the Colombia Portal

The beaches of Cartagena, Colombia with the Hotel Caribe in the background.
Image: FreddySampayo.

US Senator Susan Collins said Tuesday US Secret Service agents and US military personnel in Cartagena, Colombia engaged around 21 Colombian women in the prostitution sex scandal last week.

In addition to the eleven US Secret Service agents currently under investigation, the US military doubled the target of its review from five to ten of its own members, all of whom were at Hotel Caribe in Cartagena. The investigated Secret Service agents have had their security clearances suspended during the investigation period, and are on administrative leave. Mark Sullivan, director of the Secret Service agency, is in charge of the investigation.

Senator Collins said she was worried that the agents could have been compromised in ways that might have harmed the president’s security, such as being bugged.

The sex scandal has overshadowed President Barack Obama's trip to Colombia last Friday where he went primarily to discuss trade issues at the Summit of the Americas, but the President expressed his confidence that the internal investigation would be "thorough" and "rigorous".

Speaking for the military, Army General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said on Monday the military had been "embarrassed" and had not served the president well during the trip.

A manager at the Hotel Caribe first alerted the police after women had stayed in the Secret Service agents' rooms past the hotel's time limit for guests, according to US House of Representatives member Peter King. Guests are required to leave identification with the hotel while on the premises, and the policy of the hotel is that guests must leave by 7 in the morning. At least five military members missed their curfew and were at the same hotel where the incident with the agents took place.

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Sources [edit]

Susan Cornwell and Tabassum Zakaria. "U.S. agents, military brought up to 21 women to Colombia hotel" — Reuters, April 17, 2012
"US Secret Service Cartagena scandal 'involved 20 women'" — BBC News Online, April 17, 2012
Ed Henry and Justin Fishel. "Secret Service revokes security clearance for agents in prostitution probe, Pentagon 'embarrassed'" — Fox News Network, April 16, 2012
AP. "President Obama: 'Angry' if Secret Service misconduct allegations true" — Daily News (New York), April 15, 2012
Laura Meckler. "Secret Service Agents in Scandal Placed on Leave" — Wall Street Journal, April 14 2012

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Wikinews Shorts: April 14, 2012

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 11:08:28 GMT

A compilation of brief news reports for Saturday, April 14, 2012 .

1 Yemen al-Qaeda attack leaves twelve dead
2 Iran nuclear negotiations continue
3 US Secret Service agents relieved in light of alleged misconduct
4 Severe 'life-threatening' weather forecast for Midwestern US
5 Antarctic emperor penguin population approximated from space

Yemen al-Qaeda attack leaves twelve dead [edit]

Twelve people were killed in an al-Qaeda militant attack on a security checkpoint yesterday in Aden, Yemen, according to the country's Defense Ministry. Four Yemeni security force members and eight al-Qaeda militants are among the dead. Four additional people were wounded, including two al-Qaeda fighters and two members of the security force.

Al-Qaeda has been present in Yemen for several years, but gained traction last year when movements across the country called for the ouster of leader Ali Abdullah Saleh. Officials, who were unauthorized to speak to the press, spoke of the attack on the condition of anonymity.

Sources

Ahmed Al-Haj. "Yemen: 12 killed in militant attack in south" — Associated Press, April 14, 2012
Mohammed Hatem. "Yemen Says 12 Killed in Latest Fighting Between Al-Qaeda, Army" — Bloomberg News, April 14, 2012

Iran nuclear negotiations continue [edit]

Nuclear negotiations between Iran and six other nations continued yesterday and have made progress, according to diplomats. The meeting is the first time Iran has met with world powers in over a year. When the meeting broke for lunch, a diplomat warned of premature optimism, however. The diplomat also mentioned the possibility of reaching common ground in the future.

Iran continues to insist that the development of a nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened a preemptive strike, saying that his country would be threatened by Iran achieving nuclear capability. Although U.S. President Barack Obama has not eliminated the possibility of using military force against Iran, he has expressed desire for a diplomatic solution instead.

Sources

Associated Press. "Iran nuclear negotiations: Talks 'progressing well'" — The Times of India, April 14, 2012
Roy Gutman. "After 'constructive' talks on Iran nuclear program, hopes rise for diplomacy" — The Miami Herald, April 14, 2012

US Secret Service agents relieved in light of alleged misconduct [edit]

Approximately twelve members of the United States Secret Service, including agents, were relieved from their duties after allegations of misconduct, reportedly involving prostitution. The agents were serving in Colombia preceding a visit by President Barack Obama. Despite the incident, however, the agency claims that security for the President was never compromised.

All questions directed to the White House pertaining to the matter have been redirected to the Secret Service. President Obama is visiting Colombia to participate in the Summit of the Americas, where he plans to discuss issues including trade policy.

Sources

"Secret Service agents relieved of duty in Colombia amid alleged misconduct" — CNN, April 14, 2012
Donovan Slack, Josh Gerstein, Carrie Budoff Brown. "Secret Service scandal rocks Obama trip" — Politico, April 14, 2012

Severe 'life-threatening' weather forecast for Midwestern US [edit]

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Storm Prediction Center issued a high risk warning on Friday for parts of several U.S. states, with Oklahoma and Kansas expected to be the most impacted by severe weather. Accuweather meteorologist Paul Walker told ABC News that the weekend "should be particularly dangerous" and that the issuance of a warning two days prior to severe weather is unusual.

Officials in Kansas and Oklahoma are urging residents to watch the situation and make emergency plans with their families.

Sources

Alyssa Newcomb. "Forecasters Warn of Violent,' Life-Threatening' Storms for Midwest" — ABC News, April 14, 2012
Sean Murphy. "'Life-threatening' storms feared for Midwest" — The Sacramento Bee, April 14, 2012

Antarctic emperor penguin population approximated from space [edit]

Scientists from the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia used satellite imagery to approximate the Antarctic population of emperor penguins at approximately 600,000, nearly double that of previous estimates. The scientists used high resolution imagery to ensure the ability to distinguish between shadows, excrement and the penguins themselves. They also found approximately 238,000 breeding pairs of penguins in Antarctica. Two-decade-old studies estimated this number to be between 135,000 and 175,000.

Although the population estimate is higher than before, their numbers may decline in the coming years if current climate trends continue, according to researchers. Researcher Phil Trathan said "Current research suggests that emperor penguin colonies will be seriously affected by climate change." The species, which only occupies Antarctica, is currently listed as "least concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Sources

Alex Morales. "Penguin Count Doubles as Satellite Sees Birds" — Bloomberg News, April 14, 2012
Jonathan Amos. "Emperor penguins counted from space" — BBC News, April 13, 2012

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Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton present 2012 International Women of Courage Awards

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:54:24 GMT

Friday, March 9, 2012

Human rights

Sister links [edit]

Category:International Women of Courage Award

Sources [edit]

"2012 International Women of Courage Award" — U.S. Department of State, March 8, 2012
"2012 International Women of Courage Award Winners" — U.S. Department of State, March 8, 2012
"Women Honored for Fighting for World ‘As They Know it Should Be’" — Voice of America, March 8, 2012
"Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton celebrate International Women’s Day at the State Department" — thepoliticalgirl.com, March 8, 2012
"First Lady Michelle Obama Speaks at the International Women of Courage Awards" — whitehouse.gov, March 8, 2012

External links [edit]

International Women’s Day
"International Women’s Day: 10 ways to celebrate" — The Washington Post, March 8, 2012
"International Women's Day: How it's celebrated around the globe" — CSM, March 8, 2012

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Colombian crime gang boss, hundreds of members surrender

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 23:02:41 GMT

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Colombia

Other stories from Colombia

10 September 2012: Athletics concludes at London Paralympics with the marathon
29 August 2012: Colombian President announces peace talks with FARC rebels
26 August 2012: 2012 Paralympic Village occupied by competitors as nations ready for the Games
27 July 2012: London Olympics organizers apologize after North Korea flag gaffe
19 April 2012: US Secret Service agents face investigation for Colombian sex scandal

...More articles here

Location of Colombia

To write, edit, start or view other articles on Colombia, see the Colombia Portal

The boss of a crime gang identified as the Popular Anticommunist (alternatively, Anti-terrorist) Revolutionary Army (PARA) has surrendered to authorities in Colombia. Jose Lopez Montero, also called "Caracho", handed himself in yesterday.

Skyline of Villavicencio in 2007
Image: Alejo Rendón.

More than 280 other members of the group also gave themselves up to police yesterday and on Thursday. Why the group members gave themselves up en masse is currently uncertain. Caracho recently told Colombian media he had "tired of war". All of the group members surrendered in Villavicencio, a city located south-east of the capital Bogotá.

Judges have yet to decide upon the legal status of the gang members. The ring members will remain in Villavicencio until they do. The Office of the Attorney General of Colombia has clarified that it did not negotiate with the group members at the time of their surrender. This is understood to be one of the largest mass suspect surrenders in the country for a number of years.

Caracho is accused of conspiracy, while PARA's members are also accused of a variety of crimes, including murder and illegal drug trade. Prosecutor Nestor Armando Novoa has stated that Caracho may also face further criminal charges due to his leadership in PARA. It is anticipated the members of the gang will say where their weapons are cached.

According to Associated Press, the political stance of the Popular Anticommunist Revolutionary Army is uncertain. Caracho had been the leader of PARA since the death of Pedro Guerrero, also called "Cuchillo" ("Knife"), who was killed in December of last year by falling in a river while trying to escape from police.

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Sources [edit]

"Colombia drug boss Caracho surrenders" — BBC News Online, December 24, 2011
Associated Press. "Boss of Colombian crime ring surrenders to authorities along with 280 members of group" — The Washington Post, December 23, 2011

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Wikinews Shorts: September 29, 2010

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 19:43:54 GMT

A compilation of brief news reports for Wednesday, September 29, 2010 .

Landslide buries 30 people in Colombia [edit]

Around 30 people have been buried in a landslide in the municipality of Giraldo, Antioquia Department, Colombia. Many of the people buried were bus passengers who were walking across a road that had previously been blocked off by another landslide. The locations of those trapped have been determined by sniffer dogs, but it could still take several days before rescuers can reach them. Heavy rain is believed to be a factor in the landslide.

While visiting the scene, President Juan Manuel Santos said that "[w]e are doing everything we can to find them."

Sources

"Landslide buries 30 in north-western Colombia" — BBC News Online, September 29, 2010
"Heavy Rain a Factor in Colombia Landslide" — AccuWeather.com, September 29, 2010

Maatia Toafa named as new prime minister of Tuvalu [edit]

Maatia Toafa has been declared the new Prime Minister of Tuvalu. The Prime Minister of Tuvalu is chosen by the Tuvalun Parliament, via secret ballot. Toafa won this ballot eight votes to seven, defeating runner up Kausea Natano. He replaces former Prime Minister Apisai Ielemia who has held the post since 2006. This is Toafa's second term as prime minister; he previously held the post between 2004 and 2006.

Sources

"Toafa wins Tuvalu’s prime ministership for second time" — Radio New Zealand International, September 29, 2010
"New Prime Minister for Tuvalu" — Australian Network News, September 29, 2010

"Apisai Ielemia" — UN Chronicle, September 29, 2010

Former Pakistan defence minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal dies aged 67 [edit]

Former Pakistani politician Rao Sikandar Iqbal has died at the age of 67 from kidney failure. At various points in his political career, Sikandar held the position of Defence minister of Pakistan; Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Cooperatives; and the Federal Minister of Sports, Culture and Tourism. He was also a founding member of the Pakistan Peoples Party. Tributes have been paid to him by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani.

Sources

"Former Defence Minister Rao Sikandar dies" — The Nation, September 29, 2010
"President, PM condole Rao Sikandars demise" — The News, September 29, 2010

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Boeing 737 crash-lands in Colombia; at least one killed

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:30:38 GMT

Monday, August 16, 2010

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The AIRES Boeing 737 involved in the accident.
Image: Nicop.

At least one person died and five more are injured after a Boeing 737 crashed onto the runway at 1:49 a.m. local time today on San Andres Island, Colombia. The jet, carrying 131 people, broke into three pieces.

The AIRES flight departed Bogotá around midnight and, according to Colombian Air Force Colonel David Barrero, officials are investigating reports the aircraft experienced a lightning strike. Of the 125 passengers and six crewmembers, it is believed the only fatality was 65-year-old Amar Fernandez de Barreto. Thaindian claims that up to 114 were injured.

San Andres Island's airport has closed its 7,545-foot (2,300-meter) runway until the wreckage can be removed. "It was a miracle and we have to give thanks to God," said Pedro Gallardo, governor of the resort destination island with around 78,000 inhabitants, adding it was lucky there were not more casualties.

National police director Orlando Paez in an interview with The Star said a group of police officers awaiting the plane for their own flight back to the mainland assisted with rescue efforts. Barrero commented that "the skill of the pilot kept the plane from colliding with the airport." The landing occurred during a storm.

A press release from the US National Transportation Safety Board, seen by Wikinews prior to its public release, identified the flight as number 8250. The NTSB is sending a team of four investigators, as well as technical advisers from Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration, to assist the Colombia Civil Aviation Authority in their investigation.

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Sister links [edit]

AIRES Flight 8250

Sources [edit]

This article features first-hand journalism by Wikinews members. See the collaboration page for more details.

"Jetliner crashes on Colombian island; 1 killed" — Associated Press, August 16, 2010
"Colombian plane crash-lands after being hit by lightning, at least one dies" — Xinhua, August 16, 2010
AP. "Only 1 dead in Colombian airliner crash a ‘miracle’" — The Star, August 16, 2010
"Aries Airline Plane Crash at Colombia Airport, 131 Passengers, At Least One Dead" — Thaindian, August 16, 2010

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Venezuelan army on high alert after Chávez cuts diplomatic ties with Colombia

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 03:19:42 GMT

Venezuela

Sources [edit]

This is a complete or partial translation of the article "Tropas venezolanas en "alerta máxima" por rompimiento diplomático con Colombia", from the español language Wikinews, published under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 License.

"Militares venezolanos listos para enfrentar posible agresión de Colombia" — AFP, July 23, 2010
"Venezuela rompe relaciones con Colombia y decreta "máxima alerta" en la frontera" — 20 Minutos, July 22, 2010

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Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez cuts relations with Colombia

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 15:19:49 GMT

Venezuela

Sources [edit]

This is a complete or partial translation of the article "Chávez rompe relaciones con Colombia", from the español language Wikinews, published under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 License.

"Chávez rompe relaciones con Colombia" — La Voz de América, July 22, 2010
"Venezuela leader Hugo Chavez severs ties with Colombia" — BBC News Online, July 23, 2010

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Colombian journalist denied entry into US

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 23:42:30 GMT

Colombia

Other stories from Colombia

10 September 2012: Athletics concludes at London Paralympics with the marathon
29 August 2012: Colombian President announces peace talks with FARC rebels
26 August 2012: 2012 Paralympic Village occupied by competitors as nations ready for the Games
27 July 2012: London Olympics organizers apologize after North Korea flag gaffe
19 April 2012: US Secret Service agents face investigation for Colombian sex scandal

...More articles here

Location of Colombia

To write, edit, start or view other articles on Colombia, see the Colombia Portal

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Outgoing Colombian President Alvaro Uribe has accused journalist Hollman Morris of being "an accomplice of terrorism" in the past.
Image: Center for American Progress.

The Obama Administration has denied Colombian journalist Hollman Morris entry into the United States, citing violation of the "terrorist activities" section of the USA's Patriot Act. Morris was attempting to obtain a visa to attend Harvard University's Nieman Program, which is a fellowship for journalists.

The journalist has called attention to ties between outgoing Colombian president Alvaro Uribe, and right-wing militia groups in the war-plagued South American country. Human rights activists have speculated that Uribe might have influenced the visa denial. Morris' phone has also been tapped by the DAS, the Colombian state security agency, which is Colombia's CIA counterpart.

Though the exact reason for Morris' visa denial is unclear, when Morris went on-site to cover the release of four Colombian security force members' release by FARC rebels, Uribe called the journalist "an accomplice of terrorism".

After the news broke that Morris had been denied entry into the US, Robert Giles, curator of the Nieman Foundation and former Gannett newspaper editor, commented that "[w]e were very surprised. This has never happened before." Also in an interview Friday, Morris said "[i]f you have proof that I am a guerrilla, then why not put me in jail? Why just this campaign to discredit?"

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Sources [edit]

Juan Forero. "U.S. denies visa to Colombian journalist Hollman Morris, citing Patriot Act" — Washington Post, July 10 2010

Michael Winter. "U.S. bars top Colombian journalist from Harvard, labeling him a 'terrorist'" — USA Today, July 9 2010

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Car bomb in Buenaventura, Colombia kills at least six

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 22:36:30 GMT

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Colombia

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At least six people were killed earlier today after a car bomb was detonated in the Colombian city of Buenaventura.

The incident occurred close to the mayor's office, and damaged a local attorney general office, as well as several taxis in the street. Al Jazeera reports that at least twenty people were wounded, although other news services, such as the Christian Science Monitor, said there were at least forty injured.

The head of the country's armed forces, General Freddy Padilla, blamed the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia (FARC) group for the attack, saying that "[s]urely this was the FARC." However, nobody has yet claimed responsibility for the blast.

Colombian president Alvaro Uribe, meanwhile, offered a reward worth US$150,000 for information leading to the arrest of those responsible. He told media in Medellin that "we can't let our guard down."

Guillermo Mendoza, who is the country's chief prosecutor, commented that he wouldn't rule out the cause of the blast being either a gang fight, or an attack by drug traffickers as retaliation against his office.

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Sources [edit]

"Colombia bomb attack kills six, wounds 40 in drug trafficking port city" — Christian Science Monitor, March 25, 2010
"Deadly car bomb hits Colombia city" — Al Jazeera, March 25, 2010

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Colombia's relations with Venezuela deteriorate over Swedish rockets

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 07:46:54 GMT

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

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The President of Venezuela, Hugo Chávez, announced on Tuesday that "We will freeze relations with Colombia." He attributed the decision to "new aggression by the government of Colombia." Further, he said, "I've ordered to withdraw our ambassador from Bogota, to withdraw our diplomatic personnel."

This diplomatic move follows claims by Colombia that amongst weapons its military has captured from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) are AT4 anti-tank rockets manufactured by Saab Bofors Dynamics of Sweden. Colombia further alleges that the weapons were first sold to Venezuela before being given to the FARC.

AT4 being fired by U.S. Marine during a training mission.

"This is not the first time that this happens," Colombian Vice-President Francisco Santos said. "In several operations in which we have recovered weapons from the FARC, we have found powerful munitions and powerful equipment, including anti-tank weapons, from a European country that sold them to Venezuela and that turned up in the hands of the FARC."

"It is correct that they have found these weapons to be Swedish-made," said Jens Eriksson, adviser at the Swedish foreign ministry. "We are working together with Colombian authorities to investigate the matter further and we have contacted Venezuelan authorities to clear up how these arms ended up in Colombia."

Venezuela denies the allegations. "To me it seems that this is a new attack against our government based on lies," Venezuelan interior minister Tarek El Aissami said on Monday. "We absolutely deny that our government or our institutions are providing assistance to criminal and terrorist organizations. It's laughable, it sounds like a cheap film made by the American government."

Foreign minister Nicolás Maduro said that the whole thing is a campaign "to justify the presence of US bases" in Colombia.

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Sources [edit]

"Venezuela to 'freeze' ties with Colombia, recall envoy: Chavez" — Agence France-Presse, July 28, 2009
"Sweden asks Venezuela to explain Colombia arms find" — Reuters, July 28, 2009
"Colombia: FARC arms traced to Venezuela" — CNN, July 28, 2009
"Swedes quiz Venezuela on weapons" — BBC News Online, July 27, 2009

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