Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Judi Lynn

(160,219 posts)
Mon Dec 1, 2014, 10:37 PM Dec 2014

Colombian army general captured by FARC resigns day after release

Colombian army general captured by FARC resigns day after release
Dec 1, 2014 posted by Piotr Wojciak

Colombian General Ruben Dario Alzate resigned on Monday, one day after his release by FARC rebels who had captured the top official unarmed in rebel-controlled territory.

Alzate appeared on national television to give his first public statement after the kidnapping on November 16 and subsequent 14 days of captivity.

The general, whose capture had puzzled the military and President Juan Manuel Santos alike, said his decision to enter known rebel territory ignoring all security protocol had been his own decision and that he would resign.

“For my military honor, and love and respect for the institution I have requested my retirement from active duty,” said Alzate, who had had several meetings with Defense Minister Juan Carlos Pinzon and the military high command since arriving from the jungle on Sunday afternoon.

More:
http://colombiareports.co/colombian-army-general-captured-farc-resigns-day-release/

1 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Colombian army general captured by FARC resigns day after release (Original Post) Judi Lynn Dec 2014 OP
Colombian general captured by rebels resigns Judi Lynn Dec 2014 #1

Judi Lynn

(160,219 posts)
1. Colombian general captured by rebels resigns
Mon Dec 1, 2014, 11:30 PM
Dec 2014

Dec 1, 8:11 PM EST
Colombian general captured by rebels resigns
By JOSHUA GOODMAN
Associated Press

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) -- An army general whose surprise capture by leftist rebels nearly derailed two years of peace talks has resigned after coming under pressure for venturing into guerrilla territory dressed as a civilian and without bodyguards.

Gen. Ruben Alzate, in his first remarks since being freed Sunday by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, said he regretted that his decision not to follow military protocol had tarnished the institution he's served proudly for more than 33 years.

"Out of love and respect for our military institution, which has been affected by this incident, I've asked the national government to retire me from active service," Alzate, holding back tears and surrounded by his family, said Monday from a military hospital where he's recovering from his ordeal

Alzate is the highest-ranking officer ever seized by the FARC in 50 years of fighting and his capture two weeks ago forced President Juan Manuel Santos to immediately suspend talks taking place in Cuba.

More:
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/L/LT_COLOMBIA_CAPTURED_GENERAL?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2014-12-01-19-12-12

Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Latin America»Colombian army general ca...