Uribe receives Spanish ‘freedom’ prize

Colombian President Alvaro Uribe was presented with the Libertad
Cortés de Cádiz award in Madrid Wednesday for his efforts in seeking freedom and his open opposition to terrorism.

The Colombian head of state, who is currently in Europe to consolidate trade ties, dedicated the award to “the thousands of soldiers and police” disabled by landmines in Colombia and to victims of violence.

Uribe also called for stronger penalties for drug users in order to combat drug trafficking.

Over the last few days Uribe has met with Spanish politicians and businessmen. He had lunch with the King of Spain Juan Carlos Wednesday before flying to Italy, where he will meet with Italian
President Silvio Berlusconi and Pope Benedicto XVI.