Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos resigns

Juan Manuel Santos resigned today as Minister of Defense. Santos is a possible presidential candidate. His popularity grew after the military successes of Raul Reyes’ death and the Checkmate rescue operation which ended up in the freedom of Ingrid Betancourt, three Americans and 11 soldiers and policemen. Santos will leave his job on may 23, but announced that he will not be a presidential candidate if Uribe decides to pursue a second reelection.