Former Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos returned to Colombia
Wednesday to help the 2010 re-election of President Alvaro Uribe be
approved by Congress.
After his renunciation in May, Santos went on a long vacation to the UK to prepare himself for the elections. Santos declared he would run for the Presidency if Uribe was not allowed or interested to run himself.
The former Defense Minister — praised by his successes in the State’s war against leftist FARC rebels, but criticized because of an increase in extrajudicial killings committed by forces under his command — returned to Colombia earlier as planned.
In a meeting with the President, Santos reiterated his support for Uribe and offered to help the government to achieve the approval of the referendum needed for a constitutional change that allows a President a third consecutive term. He also offered to use his political weight in the “yes” campaign if the referendum is approved.
According to Santos, the President is still doubting about aspiring a third term. If Uribe decides not to run or is not allowed to, Santos said he will run for President instead.