Upon Leaving Colombia, McCain Hears About Rescued Hostages

By: John Bentley
Topics: John McCain

(CBS)

From CBS News' John Bentley:

(MEXICO CITY) John McCain announced the rescue of three American hostages in Colombia today, just hours after he left the country.

"I just finished a phone conversation with President Uribe and he told me some of the details of the rescue – dramatic rescue of 15 people who were held hostage," McCain told reporters on his campaign plane. "He says that they're in good condition."

McCain was told about the rescue operation last night during a meeting with Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, but didn't hear if it was successful until just before takeoff today. One of his aides saw the story move across the Reuters wire, and President Uribe called McCain mid-flight a couple of hours later.

"I congratulate President Uribe, the military of the nation of Colombia," McCain said. "This is great news and now we will renew our efforts to free all of the others, innocent people who are unlawfully being held hostage."

The hostages were being held by FARC, a rebel faction in Colombia, since 2002 and included Ingrid Betancourt, who was kidnapped while running for president of Colombia, the three U.S. hostages as well as 11 Colombian police and soldiers.

McCain denied his trip there had anything to do with the timing of the rescue operation. "These kinds of operations require weeks and months of planning and work," he said. "I'm sure that had no connection with our visit."

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by mattcat25 July 3, 2008 12:21 PM EDT: Anyone with common sense can see. McCain is the only choice.
Posted by mr2258

Perpetual War, Mismanaging of Federal Treasury Funds, and Fear Mongering.

Unfair taxation of the Middle Class.

Increased Governmental $pending while cutting Taxes to the Wealthy.

High prices for GASOLINE, Electricity, and Everything Else!

High Medical Costs and Prescription Drugs.

Pollution.

Invasion of Privacy, and disregard for our Constitution.

Corruption, Corruption, Corruption.

Religious Hypocrisy and Abuse of Tax Laws.

Politicalization of the Justice Department.

Degradation of our Infrastructure.

Continued export of American Jobs to overseas Slave Labor.

Decline in US stature and respect of the World Community.

If you appreciate all the results from the Bush Conservative Agenda,
There is no other choice?; Reply to this comment


by July 3, 2008 11:59 AM EDT: When are our news orgnizations going to do their job. After five years of captivity, does this release of hostages in Columbia with US help and when John McCain is in country not smell of Iran Hostage release i.e. a setup. This smells like White house stage craft; Reply to this comment


by mr2258 July 3, 2008 2:00 AM EDT: Anyone with common sense can see.McCain is the only choice.; Reply to this comment


by mr2258 July 3, 2008 1:54 AM EDT: ***...Seems like good things follow John McCain.The sooner he becomes president the better.; Reply to this comment


by haroldk5 July 3, 2008 12:44 AM EDT: Wow, McCain just can''t get a break! Every time he tries to make the headlines, something upstages him. Makes you wonder if someone upstairs is working against him.; Reply to this comment