John Podesta, CEO de The Center for American Progress visits Colombia
John Podesta, the influential democratic analyst visited Colombia last week. He held the status of Chief of Staff during the presidency of Bill Clinton and Chief of transition team of Barack Obama. He was in Bogota for a series of meetings with high government officials, the Academia, unions, the private sector as well as communication means. Mr. Podesta is the CEO and founder of the Center for American progress, one of the most important “think tanks” within the United States. Podesta, along with senior CAP analyst PHD Michael Werz visited the country instated from the Vice President of the Republic of Colombia and sponsored by CEA, ANDI, Rosario University, Semana magazine, and the Marriott Hotel.
Within the only public event, held Friday June 25th at the Rosario University, Mr. Podesta highlighted the positive changes that Colombia has gone through since his last visit 11 years ago when he accompanied president Clinton during a visit in Cartagena de Indias. He made an emphasis on President Juan Manuel Santos´s progressive agenda and cited his Victim Law, recently sanctioned by the president and called it “a historic step” in order to assure the fundamental rights of those displaced due to the armed conflict and for all Colombians.
“I know, “affirms Podesta, “That Juan Manuel Santos will work tirelessly in order o improve the living conditions of all Colombian citizens..and that the United States will continue doing anything it can to assure Colombia’s success…We are learning from each other and together we are taking responsibility for this relation. “
The following links lead to the interviews conducted by the local media regarding Podesta´s interview.
http://www.semana.com/nacion/estamos-orgullosos-del-plan-colombia/159156-3.aspx
http://www.elespectador.com/impreso/internacional/articulo-280017-obama-no-superman-john-podesta