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18/09/2001
US envoy warns IRA over links to Colombia
US special envoy to Northern Ireland, Richard Haass, has warned that all connections between the IRA and Colombian terrorist group, the FARC, must stop before such connections impact upon the role of the US in the peace process.
Mr Haass’ statement follows the detainment last month of three Irishmen in the Colombian capital of Bogotá.
Niall Terence Connolly, James Monaghan and Martin McCauley, allegedly travelling on false British and Irish passports, were arrested in Bogotá’s El Dorado airport on Saturday August 11.
It has been claimed that the men, who have been previously convicted in Britain of terrorism charges and membership of the Provisional IRA, were training local FARC Marxist rebels in explosives and terrorist tactics.
Mr Haass said that although the exact reason why the men were present in Colombia was still unclear, it was his belief that the men were not on holiday, as had been claimed by the men. The special envoy went on to stress that such links between the IRA and the FARC would not be tolerated.
Sinn Féin have maintained that they know of no connection with their party and the trio held in Colombia. Speaking on RTÉ radio on Friday 17 August, Sinn Féin chairman Mitchell McLoughlin said: “We have no responsibility to them, they have no responsibility to us.”
If convicted, the three men could face maximum prison terms of 15-20 years, court sources in Colombia have said. However, they could be deported or extradited.
Colombia's minister of defence said: “We are advancing with the investigation, the British authorities are aware and the procedures of international law will be followed.” (CL)
Mr Haass’ statement follows the detainment last month of three Irishmen in the Colombian capital of Bogotá.
Niall Terence Connolly, James Monaghan and Martin McCauley, allegedly travelling on false British and Irish passports, were arrested in Bogotá’s El Dorado airport on Saturday August 11.
It has been claimed that the men, who have been previously convicted in Britain of terrorism charges and membership of the Provisional IRA, were training local FARC Marxist rebels in explosives and terrorist tactics.
Mr Haass said that although the exact reason why the men were present in Colombia was still unclear, it was his belief that the men were not on holiday, as had been claimed by the men. The special envoy went on to stress that such links between the IRA and the FARC would not be tolerated.
Sinn Féin have maintained that they know of no connection with their party and the trio held in Colombia. Speaking on RTÉ radio on Friday 17 August, Sinn Féin chairman Mitchell McLoughlin said: “We have no responsibility to them, they have no responsibility to us.”
If convicted, the three men could face maximum prison terms of 15-20 years, court sources in Colombia have said. However, they could be deported or extradited.
Colombia's minister of defence said: “We are advancing with the investigation, the British authorities are aware and the procedures of international law will be followed.” (CL)
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