FARC SPOKESMAN ARRESTED IN BRAZIL

UNCLAS BRASILIA 002287 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR BR CO SUBJECT: FARC SPOKESMAN ARRESTED IN BRAZIL REF: BRASILIA 785 ¶1. On August 24, Brazilian Federal Police, in cooperation with Interpol agents in Brazil, arrested Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC) "spokesman" Francisco Antonio CADENAS at a Sao Paulo bus station under an international order for his capture. The Colombian government has accused Cadenas of maintaining links with the FARC, "practicing homicidal terrorism," and inciting rebellions. Cadenas is being held at the Federal Police Regional Headquarters in Sao Paulo under the authority of the Brazilian Supreme Court (STF). The STF will make a decision on Cadenas' extradition after a formal request from the Colombian Government is received. (Note: Cadenas is also known as Francisco Antonio COLLAZZOS, Oliveirio MEDINA, Camilo LOPEZ, and "El Cura." End Note) ¶2. Cadenas, a former Catholic Priest and FARC "Ambassador to Brazil, Argentina, and Chile," is known in the region for his ties to leftist paramilitary groups. In March 2005, Brazilian weekly news magazine "VEJA" accused Cadenas of creating a plan to funnel US$ 5 million to Worker's Party (PT) representatives in support of President Lula da Silva's 2002 presidential campaign (reftel). In 2000, Cadenas was detained in Brazil for using fake documents and an expired visa. DANILOVICH