Diaz-Balart: Amid Concerns About FARC, Bilateral Relationship with Colombia Must Remain Strong

WASHINGTON — Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) released the following statement after meeting with Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos.

“I was pleased to join my colleagues for a meeting with President Santos this morning. As we move forward following the success of Plan Colombia, we must ensure our bilateral relationship remains strong and enduring. In order to continue combatting the drug trafficking and cartels, we must further collaborate with the Colombian government at all levels to succeed. This relationship is also crucial to continuing trade and the positive affect it has on our economy, especially right here in Southern Florida. I have a number of serious concerns about the FARC and the ongoing negotiations with the terrorist organization. Among them, I strongly believe the organization must denounce terrorism and stop all terrorist activities. It must dismantle its entire narcotrafficking operation - no exceptions. The United States must also stand firmly against the release of narcotraffickers like Ricardo Palmera (‘Simón Trinidad’); their release will compromise national security and should not be used as a bargaining chip.”

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