International   

“Sorry for using Red Cross emblem”

BOGOTA: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Wednesday warned the Colombian government that its emblems cannot be used in an “abusive” manner, because such moves jeopardise the neutral policy of the organisation.

Colombia’s President Alvaro Uribe has admitted an officer used the ICRC’s emblem during a rescue operation of 15 hostages on July 2. “The ICRC takes note of the president’s declaration in which he recognises that an officer used an ICRC emblem in operations and it warns that such a move violates the Geneva Conventions,” said the ICRC.

The emblem “should be respected in all circumstances and not used abusively,” it added. Mr. Uribe said he apologised to the ICRC on Wednesday. — Xinhua

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Anwar on offensive after being set free
U.S. plans envoy presence in Iran after 30 years
Indian held by LTTE rescued
E.U. banana plan threat to Doha Round talks
NC, UML will not join Nepal coalition
China’s GDP up 10.4% in first half
We have no permanent enemies, says Negroponte
Is there life out there?
Archbishop’s comment creates uproar
Bangladesh Attorney-General resigns
Officials guilty of brutality at Genoa G8 riots won’t be jailed
“Sorry for using Red Cross emblem”
Taliban leader killed in airstrike
U.S. sends top envoy to IAEA
China may not raise objection
“Victims of human trafficking scam”

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu