6 years in captivity.Petitions Book open in support of Ingrid Betancourt in County Hall Tallaght Fri

INGRID BETANCOURT

Ingrid Betancourt Pulecio (born December 25, 1961, Bogot) is a Colombian politician, former senator and anti-corruption activist. Ingrid was kidnapped by the FARC Guerrilla Group on February 23^rd. 2002 while campaigning for the presidency, in an area of high guerrilla presence.

Ingrid was awarded the Honorary Freedom of South Dublin County by the members of South Dublin County Council on 10^th. November 2003 in recognition of her contribution as a politician, peacemaker and citizen and in support for her fight for freedom against oppression. The award was accepted on her behalf by her daughter Melanie Delloye Betancourt.

Her running mate for Vice Presidency Clara Rojas was also kidnapped at that time. Clara was released on January 10^th. 2008 whilst Ingrid is still being held by the FARC Guerrilla Group as a key hostage for a possible humanitarian exchange of prisoners for hostages with the government of Colombia.

Clara recently attended the Annual Conference on Victims of Terrorism in Madrid where she outlined the absolute necessity for all individuals/nations to play their part in securing Ingrid Betancourts release.

Besides Colombia, Ingrids kidnapping has received wide coverage in many parts of the world including Ireland and particularly in France due to her French citizenship. The government of France is also participating as a facilitator for the release of Ingrid and all prisoners held by the FARC guerrilla.

On the occasion of the anniversary of her 2^nd. year in captivity South Dublin County Council commemorated the occasion by planting a tree in the grounds of County Hall, Tallaght.

As we approach the 6^th. anniversary of her capture on Saturday 23^rd. February, South Dublin County Council propose to mark the occasion by opening a petitions book in support of her release, in the concourse in County Hall, Tallaght from 9.00am to 4.30pm on Friday 22^nd. February 2008 where staff and customers will be invited to sign the petition. It is proposed to forward the petition to Ingrids daughter, Melanie, as a sign of our support for her mothers release.

See www.betancourt.info for more information.