Colombia

Farc to release six hostages

Article published on the 2008-12-22 Latest update 2008-12-22 11:37 TU

Flag of the Farc.
(Credit: Wikipedia)

Farc rebels have said they will free two politicians, three police officers and a member of the military who they have been holding hostage. The time and place has yet to be confirmed but they claim the move is "a gesture towards generating conditions favourable for a humanitarian exchange."

In a statement released on a Colombian news agency’s website the rebels said they will release the hostages in two stages.

First, the three police officers and member of the military will be freed, followed by the politicians.

Farc hope the deal will lead to an exchange for some of their imprisoned guerrillas who are held in Colombian and US prisons.

The captured politicans include Alan Jara, former governor of Meta province who was kidnapped seven years ago whilst driving a UN vehicle and Sigifredo Lopez a lawmaker held for the last six years.

This move comes following the recent release of Oscar Lizcano, who former guerilla Wilson Bueno Largo let go in exchange for residency in France and the withdrawal of charges against him.

Farc has been battling the Colombian government for the last 40 years and it is thought they still hold hundreds of hostages in their jungle hideouts.