AN ANNIVERSARY WITH SADNESS AND ANGER Two years ago, on 23 February 2002, FARC guerrillas in Colombia kidnapped Ingrid Betancourt, Partido Verde Oxigeno de Colombia presidential candidate, and Clara Rojas,vice-presidential candidate, as they traveled to San Vicente del Caguan to campaign for the presidential elections. On this second anniversary of their kidnapping, we Greens throughout the world express our sadness and anger at the continued captivity of these women whose work has been so vital to the interests of the Colombian people. When FARC first abducted Ingrid and Clara, they told the world they would only hold the two women for one year but, to date, Colombian government measures, and the efforts of Ingrid's supporters around the world, have failed to secure their release. We Greens and the family and friends of Ingrid and Clara are very concerned for their safety and will continue to do whatever we can to secure their release. We express our solidarity with Ingrid Betancourt and Clara Rojas who are a clear example of the harsh effects that the war has produced on the lives and bodies of Colombian people. Besides sadness, what we want to express is anger. We are angry that International Law keeps being violated. We are angry that, despite continuous United Nations recommendations, the policies of the present government of Colombia are contrary to democracy and social justice. The High Commissioner on Human Rights has denounced the massive displacement of peasants and Indigenous people and the government's "anti-terrorist" law is de facto giving full power to the armed forces. Already this year, 72 human right activists, teachers, trade union leaders and journalists have been killed. Besides Clara and Ingrid, 3000 people have been kidnapped and are being held captive in Colombia. The FARC are indeed responsible for the violence but we also know that 80 % of registered violence comes from the paramilitary backed by President Uribe's government which is refusing to take a non-violent path and negotiate a humanitarian agreement with the guerrillas. We, Greens from all over the world, urge President Uribe to comply with the UN recommendations and open a dialogue with the FARC; this is the only way out of violence in Colombia. Ingrid Betancourt is a prominent figure in our Green community. Since her abduction, she has been given many awards and declared a 'Citizen of Honour' in cities all over the world. Ingrid, wherever you are, we all remember your wonderful speech and words in Canberra: We are all of the same family and let us be confident in our strength!