[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 8621]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       DAY OF PRAYER FOR COLOMBIA

  Mr. JOHNSON. This Sunday, members of Lutheran World Relief, in 
conjunction with churches and people of faith, will pray for a peaceful 
resolution to the conflict in Colombia. Lutheran World Relief advocates 
for those around the world suffering from poverty, hunger, or 
injustice. It is a voice for the most vulnerable worldwide, and this 
weekend Lutheran World Relief will shine a bright light on the current 
situation in Colombia.
  For over 40 years, Colombia has been engulfed in a civil conflict 
pitting guerrilla groups again the Colombian Government. As a result, 
innocent civilians have been kidnapped and ransomed; illicit coca 
production and drug trafficking continue to plague the country; and 
thousands have died or have been forced from their homes in order to 
flee violence.
  The United States has provided assistance to Colombia, both military 
and economic, in order to stem the illegal trade in drugs and promote a 
peaceful resolution to the civil conflict. However, Colombia remains 
the leading supplier of the world's cocaine, and it is home to at least 
three illegally armed groups that have been designated foreign 
terrorist organizations by the U.S. Department of State. Without 
question, Congress must assist countries in eradicating drug crops and 
combating terrorism. However, we must also remember that societies are 
based on the rule of law, and human rights must be respected. We should 
not sacrifice one goal in order to achieve another.
  Lutheran churches in South Dakota an around the Nation are in 
solidarity with peace communities in Colombia. I commend Lutheran 
parishioners and worshippers of other faiths, as they pray for peace 
and remember all those who have perished in the conflict. As a Lutheran 
myself, I believe protecting human rights in Colombia must remain a 
high priority.

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