Colombia could reduce embassy staff over asylum issue (Uribe's security official hiding in Panama)

[Judi Lynn]

Panamá, lunes 25 de abril de 2011
Colombia could reduce embassy staff over asylum issue

Colombia could reduce the staff of its embassy in Panama if the government refuses to hand over a former security official that is facing criminal charges in that country.

Colombian officials have charged María del Pilar Hurtado with crimes related to alleged wiretaps she ordered to monitor conversations of political opponents, human rights activists and magistrates. Last year, she fled Colombia and was granted asylum in Panama.

Colombian human rights official Julio Berríos said that the Colombian government has a number of options to pressure the government of Panama to hand over the fugitive, including reducing its embassy staff.

Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli has defended his decision to grant asylum to Hurtado, and denied it was done for political reasons. Martinelli has a close relationship with former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe, who was in office when Hurtado allegedly ordered the wiretaps.

http://mensual.prensa.com/mensual/contenido/2011/04/25/hoy/english/news_6969.asp