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Tuesday, May 06, 2003

Colombian President: Former defence minister killed by rebels

MEDELLIN, Colombia (AP) - President Alvaro Uribe said Monday that a state governor and a former defence minister kidnapped by rebels a year ago have been killed, the daughter of the defense minister said.

The killings of Antioquia state Gov. Guillermo Gaviria and former Defence Minister Gilberto Echeverri outraged Colombians.

"I am truly shaken,'' said former President Ernesto Samper, under whom Echeverri served as defense minister.

"It seems to me that we've reached intolerable levels of violence.''

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia kidnapped the two men on April 21, 2002, as they led a peace march in northwest Colombia. - AP

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