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Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and
International Development on May 28, 2009
Mr. Mario Silva: I've gone to Colombia many times, and I have noticed a difference over the
years. NGOs that were here not too long ago--Caritas, Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty
International--raised concerns about human rights. There are those who are totally opposed to
free trade, no matter what the issues and putting human rights aside. There are those in every
country who are legitimately opposed to the issue of free trade, notwithstanding how they feel
about human rights.
I think the reality is that over many years there has been a substantial improvement in the
country on the issue of human rights. In fact, Colombia was almost a failed state a few years ago.
It was unable to control its borders and provide services. Today, the stabilization of Colombia has
made a huge difference in the lives of the people in Colombia, to the extent that President Uribe
has an 80% approval rate. He didn't get that by doing nothing. He has done that by stabilizing the
country. People now are very much onside with his efforts.
You cannot deny the fact that he is extremely popular. I know, Senator, that you're from the
opposition, but he must have done something to make himself so popular in Colombia that he
has managed to get himself an 80% approval rating. Maybe the senator can comment on that.