When I first heard that there was a possibility that Canada would sign a trade agreement with Colombia, my reaction, of course, was one of deep pain.
I have always felt this deep admiration for Canada. I know Canada as a peacemaking country, as a country that is known throughout the world for respecting human rights. I know that there are many lines of cooperation with Colombia, especially through your membership in the G-24. This group has also pressured Colombia to meet the recommendations, the international recommendations, in terms of human rights.
So this is a source of concern for me. It's like you are turning your back on the Colombian people. If you sign this agreement, you'll be showing support for a government that is a violator of human rights.
As to my own personal life, I have been threatened many times. We have received, at the Colectivo de Abogados, recent threats to our lives.
President Álvaro Uribe himself has said publicly that I am an enemy of the country when I come to the point of describing what is happening in my country. I only want to say that I am not an enemy of my country. On the contrary, if that's what I do, it is because I love my country. I love Colombia. I love my homeland.
It is because I love my homeland that I am here speaking before you.