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18/09/2001
US envoy warns IRA over links to Colombia
US special envoy to Northern Ireland, Richard Haass, has warned that all connections between the IRA and Colombian terrorist group, the FARC, must stop before such connections impact upon the role of the US in the peace process.
Mr Haass’ statement follows the detainment last month of three Irishmen in the Colombian capital of Bogotá.
Niall Terence Connolly, James Monaghan and Martin McCauley, allegedly travelling on false British and Irish passports, were arrested in Bogotá’s El Dorado airport on Saturday August 11.
It has been claimed that the men, who have been previously convicted in Britain of terrorism charges and membership of the Provisional IRA, were training local FARC Marxist rebels in explosives and terrorist tactics.
Mr Haass said that although the exact reason why the men were present in Colombia was still unclear, it was his belief that the men were not on holiday, as had been claimed by the men. The special envoy went on to stress that such links between the IRA and the FARC would not be tolerated.
Sinn Féin have maintained that they know of no connection with their party and the trio held in Colombia. Speaking on RTÉ radio on Friday 17 August, Sinn Féin chairman Mitchell McLoughlin said: “We have no responsibility to them, they have no responsibility to us.”
If convicted, the three men could face maximum prison terms of 15-20 years, court sources in Colombia have said. However, they could be deported or extradited.
Colombia's minister of defence said: “We are advancing with the investigation, the British authorities are aware and the procedures of international law will be followed.” (CL)
Mr Haass’ statement follows the detainment last month of three Irishmen in the Colombian capital of Bogotá.
Niall Terence Connolly, James Monaghan and Martin McCauley, allegedly travelling on false British and Irish passports, were arrested in Bogotá’s El Dorado airport on Saturday August 11.
It has been claimed that the men, who have been previously convicted in Britain of terrorism charges and membership of the Provisional IRA, were training local FARC Marxist rebels in explosives and terrorist tactics.
Mr Haass said that although the exact reason why the men were present in Colombia was still unclear, it was his belief that the men were not on holiday, as had been claimed by the men. The special envoy went on to stress that such links between the IRA and the FARC would not be tolerated.
Sinn Féin have maintained that they know of no connection with their party and the trio held in Colombia. Speaking on RTÉ radio on Friday 17 August, Sinn Féin chairman Mitchell McLoughlin said: “We have no responsibility to them, they have no responsibility to us.”
If convicted, the three men could face maximum prison terms of 15-20 years, court sources in Colombia have said. However, they could be deported or extradited.
Colombia's minister of defence said: “We are advancing with the investigation, the British authorities are aware and the procedures of international law will be followed.” (CL)
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04 October 2002
'Colombia Three' trial begins in Bogota
UPDATE: The trial of the three suspected IRA men arrested at an airport in Colombia for allegedly training Marxist Farc guerrillas last year was postponed on Friday when the three accused men refused to leave their cells.
'Colombia Three' trial begins in Bogota
UPDATE: The trial of the three suspected IRA men arrested at an airport in Colombia for allegedly training Marxist Farc guerrillas last year was postponed on Friday when the three accused men refused to leave their cells.
03 September 2002
Trimble meets Colombian vice president over alleged IRA links
First Minister David Trimble has met with the Colombian vice president at the Earth Summit in Johannesburg to discuss matters relating to the three suspected IRA men who were arrested for allegedly training Farc guerrillas last year.
Trimble meets Colombian vice president over alleged IRA links
First Minister David Trimble has met with the Colombian vice president at the Earth Summit in Johannesburg to discuss matters relating to the three suspected IRA men who were arrested for allegedly training Farc guerrillas last year.
17 August 2001
Men held in Colombia deny IRA links
Three alleged IRA suspects arrested in Colombia earlier this week have denied links with the Provisional IRA or Colombian guerrillas. According to the Colombian Attorney’s Office the men, James Monaghan, Martin McCauley and Niall Connelly, insist they were in the safe haven of the Colombian guerrillas simply as tourists.
Men held in Colombia deny IRA links
Three alleged IRA suspects arrested in Colombia earlier this week have denied links with the Provisional IRA or Colombian guerrillas. According to the Colombian Attorney’s Office the men, James Monaghan, Martin McCauley and Niall Connelly, insist they were in the safe haven of the Colombian guerrillas simply as tourists.
27 April 2004
Colombia three cleared of Farc connected charges
The three Irishmen accused of training left-wing guerrillas in Colombia have been cleared in court of charges relating to the training of Farc guerillas. However, the men, James Monaghan, Niall Connolly and Martin McAuley, all sentenced on false passports charges, look likely to be held in jail in Bogota pending the outcome of a prosecution appeal.
Colombia three cleared of Farc connected charges
The three Irishmen accused of training left-wing guerrillas in Colombia have been cleared in court of charges relating to the training of Farc guerillas. However, the men, James Monaghan, Niall Connolly and Martin McAuley, all sentenced on false passports charges, look likely to be held in jail in Bogota pending the outcome of a prosecution appeal.
18 June 2003
Colombia trial adjourned as evidence rejected
The trial of the three men accused of training FARC guerrillas in Colombia has been adjourned. Judge Jairo Acosta refused to admit documentary evidence that the defence claim is crucial to the case as he adjourned the trail of the three Irishmen until July 28.
Colombia trial adjourned as evidence rejected
The trial of the three men accused of training FARC guerrillas in Colombia has been adjourned. Judge Jairo Acosta refused to admit documentary evidence that the defence claim is crucial to the case as he adjourned the trail of the three Irishmen until July 28.
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