Here's a transcript of the letter dated November 17, 2005 and sent to
Gambia's Ambassador in the U.S. from Congress Woman Betty McCollum -
United States House of Representative meber for Minesota's fourth
district. She is also a member of the House Committee on International
Relations.  Read on and share with the rest of the world.

-BambaLaye

Quote=======================================================================

Dear Mr. Ambassador:

It has been reported in the media and confirmed by the U.S. State
Department that on November 15, 2005 Gambian government authorities
arrested three opposition political leaders – the Honorable Halifa Sallah,
MP, Mr. Hamat Bah and Mr. Omar Jallow. This news is extremely disturbing
and casts the very unfortunate appearance of an attempt to silence
legitimate democratic voices.

I would like to express to you, in the strongest possible terms, my
concern for these individuals and my desire that they be released as soon
as possible. Because of the serious concern this incident has provoked in
the international community, the three leaders should be provided with
immediate access to a member of an international humanitarian organization
or the diplomatic corps to assure the us all that their health, safety and
well-being are being protected.

In July 2005, I had the opportunity to meet with the Hon. Halifa Sallah,
the Minority Leader of the Parliament, in my Minnesota congressional
office. He stated to his desire to engage in an open, democratic process
in which the will of the citizens of the Gambia could be expressed through
free and fair election. I would hope that your government would share this
legitimate and laudable goal by engaging opposition political leaders in
an open debate and free elections, rather than incarceration.

Please be assured I am talking to my Congressional colleagues about this
very disturbing situation and it is my sincere desire that this matter be
resolved immediately.

Sincerely,

(Signed)
Betty McCollum
Member of Congress

End Quote===================================================================

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