Sample Letter
Published by MAC on 2003-10-10Sample Letter
10 October 2003
Presidente de la República de Colombia Dr. Alvaro Uribe Velez c/o Embassy of Colombia Washington, D.C. By Fax: (202) 232-8643
Re: Forced Disappearance of David Vergara & Seth Cure
Excelentísimo Sr. Presidente:
I am writing to express my alarm and grave concern upon hearing today of the forced disappearances, and possible murder, of David Vergara and Seth Cure. Srs. Vergara and Cure are employees of the Drummond Company in Colombia and are members of the mining union, SINTRAMIENERGETICA.
On September 29, 2003, Srs. Vergara and Cure were apparently abducted from the vehicle they were driving from Barranquilla to Valledupar where they were to meet with fellow union officials in preparation for upcoming contract negotiations. The clothing and personal effects of Srs. Vergara and Cure were found with their vehicle, but Srs. Vergara and Cure have not been seen since September 29, and they never showed up for their union meeting.
This disturbing event is tragically reminiscent of the forced capture, and subsequent murders, of Valmore Locarna, Victor Orcasita and Gustavo Soler -- all employees of Drummond and officials of SINTRAMIENERGETICA.
We implore you to investigate this crime immediately and to try to locate Srs. Vergara and Cure. It is our understanding that the mining union federation, FUNTRAENERGETICA, has already petitioned the Colombian Ministry of the Interior to investigate this crime, but as yet to no avail. In the event Srs. Vergara and Cure are still alive, your quick action is needed to save their lives.
Thank you.
Sincerely yours,
cc: Colin Powell, U.S. Secretary of State (By Fax 202 647-1722)
Hon.William Wood, U.S. Ambassador to Colombia (By Fax 57 1 315 2163)
Matthew Johnson, Labor & Human Rights Attache (By Fax 57 1 315 2163)
Joaquin Romero, Secretary General FUNTRAENERGETICA (011 57 1 286-5259)
Fernando Londono Hoyos, Ministro Interior y Justicia (011 57 1 286 8025)
Email to: Campaign for Labor Rights: clr@clrlabor.org
For further information: www.uswa.org and www.chicagoans.net