Miguel Rodriguez Orejuela

Miguel Rodriguez Orejuela Case and Proposal from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia

Question: What does the United States think about the extradition of Miguel Rodriguez Orejuela?

Answer: I would refer you to the Department of Justice for comment on this ongoing legal matter.

Question: What is the U.S. position on a reported Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia proposal to trade the three American contractors they hold hostage, in exchange for Simon Trinidad, a senior leader of that organization, presently in U.S. government custody?

Answer: It is U.S. policy not to make concessions to terrorists. We believe such concessions will only encourage future hostage taking. We hold the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia responsible for the safety, health and well being of its hostages, including three U.S. citizens. We demand that the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia release the Americans immediately and unharmed.

2004/272

Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC March 3, 2005 Question Taken At March 2, 2005 Daily Press Briefing