Relatives of Colombia three meet Cowen

Representatives of three Irish republicans suspected of involvement with Colombian guerrillas met Minister of Foreign Affairs…

Representatives of three Irish republicans suspected of involvement with Colombian guerrillas met Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Cowen this afternoon.

Mr Niall Connolly, Mr Martin McCauley and Mr Jim Monaghan are accused of terrorism, illegal training of terrorist activities and conspiracy. All three deny the charges. Their trial is expected to begin in the Colombian capital Bogota next week.

Mr Cowan was asked to obtain formal assurances from the Colombian authorities that the three men would not be moved from La Picota Prison.

Relatives of the three men also protested against the continuing detention of the men and said it was a violation of their rights as Irish citizens.

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The three were arrested a year ago at Bogota International Airport as they were about to leave Colombia.

Colombian officials say they have evidence connecting the three men to the training of members of the left-wing Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.