"Governments must negotiate with terrorist forces for two reasons. First of all, to save human lives, but also because rejecting the dialogue is a way to justify them and to isolate extremist and fanatic people," who are going to become even more isolated and turned to violence. In her address to the European Parliament, Ingrid Betancourt declared that we must always "work while having a great confidence in human beings. We must be open to dialogue, love more." Now that you have become an iconic figure in the world, in which countries would you like to take your word of peace?" "First, I would go to Africa where there are many similar tragedies with civil wars, poverty, corruption and exploitation," she replied to the SIR. "I would go to Zimbabwe and to Darfur, to hug the children and their mothers who are suffering, to hug refugees. Then I would go to Somalia to bring words of respect and to Congo where there are child soldiers." Ms Betancourt recalled the "wars fuelled by religious and political fanaticism" and said she "would go in many countries to bring signs of joy and tolerance." Then she added: "but the first place I would go immediately is my country." ” ” ” ” ” “
