(Reuters) -Colombian Senator and presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe, who was shot in the head at a campaign event two months ago, died in the early hours of Monday at the age of 39, the hospital treating him said.
Following are some reactions to the news:
OFFICE OF COLOMBIA’S PRESIDENT GUSTAVO PETRO
“The Presidency of the Republic deeply regrets the death of Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay. We express our most sincere condolences and all our solidarity to his family, friends, and loved ones in this difficult moment.”
COLOMBIA’S VICE PRESIDENT FRANCIA MARQUEZ
“Today is a sad day for the country. Violence cannot continue to mark our destiny. Democracy is not built with bullets or blood; it is built with respect, dialogue and recognizing our differences, regardless of political position.”
“Colombian people: it is time to unite, to raise our voices forcefully to reject all acts of violence. We cannot allow fear and hatred to continue taking away our life and hope.”
U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE MARCO RUBIO
“Deeply saddened to learn of Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe’s tragic death. The United States stands in solidarity with his family, the Colombian people, both in mourning and demanding justice for those responsible.”
BOGOTA MAYOR CARLOS GALAN
“Despite his own tragedy, Miguel dedicated his life to fighting for a peaceful country and will be remembered that way. His murder should be a breaking point for Colombia. We cannot accept violence in our country.”
FORMER COLOMBIAN PRESIDENT ALVARO URIBE, LEADER OF SENATOR URIBE’S PARTY, NOT RELATED
“Evil destroys everything; they killed hope. May Miguel’s fight be a light that illuminates Colombia’s right path.”
FORMER COLOMBIAN PRESIDENT IVAN DUQUE
“The best tribute we Colombians can pay to this great human being is to honor his legacy, with unity of purpose and full patriotism. Colombia mourns, but it will not surrender to the criminals who extinguished the life of an admirable young man.”
FORMER COLOMBIAN PRESIDENT JUAN MANUEL SANTOS
“We deeply regret the tragic death of Miguel Uribe as a result of such a heinous attack, and extend our heartfelt solidarity to his family, who have suffered so much. Once again, we call for the reconciliation of spirits, the disarmament of words and respect for life. In these very difficult times for the country, it is crucial to maintain calm, prudence and moderation.”
COLOMBIAN DEFENSE MINISTER PEDRO SANCHEZ
“As a nation, the best way to honor his memory is to promote union and peace to protect life and democracy in every corner of the country. Together with the prosecutor’s office, our institutions will continue to work hard to identify and bring to justice all those responsible for this attack, and we will not allow the violent to intimidate or silence the political voices needed in our democracy.”
VENEZUELAN OPPOSITION LEADER EDMUNDO GONZALEZ
“It’s hard to accept that political violence has ended the life of someone who only wanted to work for a better Colombia. It’s also hard to acknowledge that the fight for freedoms and rights continues to cost lives in our countries.”
“Authoritarianism and violence are spreading, when what should prevail is a system of freedoms and well-being.”
GUATEMALAN PRESIDENT BERNARDO AREVALO
“When bullets prevail over votes, people suffer, and so does democracy. Political violence must have no place in our countries. I send my condolences to Miguel Uribe’s family and to the people of Colombia.”
PARAGUAYAN PRESIDENT SANTIAGO PENA
“The death of Miguel Uribe Turbay deeply pains us and calls on us to unite with greater strength across the continent to fight crime.”
(Compiled by Benjamín Mejías Valencia; Editing by Gabriel Araujo and Andrew Heavens)
