Date:18/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/18/stories/2008071855701900.htm

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