May 23rd, 2006 : Yolanda Pulecio's statement

It was with surprise and annoyance that I read the statements made by Hervé Marro on behalf of the Parisian Committee set up in support of my daughter Ingrid Betancourt. 

I wish to express my total disagreement with this statement that attacks the French government and the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Having met Mr Douste-Blazy on several occasions I know that he is following this case with great personnel interest. I thank him for his efforts and I ask him to continue to do so. He can count on my total support.

If the committee is interested in obtaining freedom for my daughter, it cannot act rashly at a time when France is involved in important and challenging initiatives to have Ingrid freed.

I do not know what were Herve Marro's intentions when he spoke on behalf of the committee without taking my position into account. Indeed as Ingrid's mother, I think that along with my daughter Astrid and my grandchildren, I would be the most interested in my daughter being freed.

I do not think that one should combine political interests and negative emotions in opposing the French government that has been the most reliable, the most supportive and involved ally in our struggle since Ingrid's kidnapping.

I think that, despite the excellent work carried out by the committee, nobody has the right to issue inappropriate statements that could have disastrous consequences for the continuation of this long and difficult campaign.

Yolanda Pulecio, mother of Ingrid Betancourt.

See the Statement by FICIB (International Fédération of Ingrid Betancourt Committees)