Sir, - I am writing to add the voice of Concern to those who are campaigning on behalf of Father Brendan Forde. I have known Father Forde for a number of years and I have a huge admiration for his commitment to the poor and oppressed and to the fidelity of the Gospel message.
At one level it is not difficult to understand the imperatives of the US policy in trying to cut off the source of cocaine. It is difficult to see, however, that a strategy focused on a military solution to the problems of Colombia can be successful. Apart from this, any strategy which runs the risk of large-scale human rights abuses must be fatally flawed from the beginning.
It is my hope that the Irish Government will use its influence with the US an European Union to influence events in Colombia. In the meantime, publicity is crucial to the very survival of Father Forde and the people of his district in Columbia. The Irish Times is to be congratulated on the coverage which it has given to this case. - Yours, etc.,
David Begg, Chief Executive, Concern, Camden Street, Dublin 2.
Eireann, Baile Atha Cliath 2.