Brussels, 07/05/2003 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission and the High Representative for CFSP, Javier Solana, condemn the assassination of Colombian citizens. Javier Solana said it was with great sadness that he had learnt the terrible news of the assassination by the FARC, in Colombia, of the governor of Antioquia, Guillermo Gaviria, who had been held for over one year, as well as the Commissioner for Peace, Monseigneur Echeverry, and eight members of the armed forces. He went on to say that the escalation of FARC terrorism, the lack of human feeling or respect for democracy or any feeling for the deep suffering of the Colombian people deserves the very strongest condemnation on the part of the European Union. The Commission has adopted, for its part, a declaration which "strongly condemns" the assassination, as well as the practice of kidnapping, extortion and other similar crimes. It calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. "The Commission renews its appeal for full respect of International Humanitarian Law and for the protection of the civilian population", its statement reads.