    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [July 3, 2008]
    [Page 976]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Departure From the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda
    July 3, 2008

    Rescue of Hostages in Colombia

        Yesterday I had the opportunity to speak to President Uribe of Colombia. And he called to give me the good
    news that hostages had been rescued, including three Americans that had been held since 2003. I congratulated the
    President. I asked him to congratulate his military and those who had
    planned it. And I told him what a joyous occasion it must be to know
    that the plan had worked, that people who were unjustly held are now
    free to be with their families.
        And so I'm proud of our relationship with Colombia, and I'm proud of
    my friend President Uribe. And I
    appreciate his courage and his strong leadership and the successful
    operations they waged.
        Thank you very much.

    Note: The President spoke at 11:56 a.m. In his remarks, he referred to
    Marc Gonsalves, Thomas Howes, and Keith Stansell, former hostages held
    by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).