by René Lavanchy
AT least five hostages held by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerillas could be released as early as this week, Tribune has learned.
The hostages, who include the FARC’s last two civilian prisoners, are to be unilaterally set free in order to encourage a prisoner exchange with President Alvaro Uribe’s government, according to negotiators. The move follows a campaign by peace activists such as senator Piedad Cordoba to persuade the FARC to show their commitment to peaceful means.
Liam Craig-Best, secretary of campaigning group Justice for Colombia, said: “This potential release is extremely good news for Colombia, as is the opening of communication channels between civil society and the guerillas.”
“It’s a great shame that the Colombian regime is refusing to be involved. We’re concerned that they may try to sabotage the release, as they have done in the past.”
In November 2007, President Uribe abruptly ended release negotiations and sacked Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez from his role as mediator, after he spoke to a Colombian general without permission.
Among the hostages set to be freed are Alan Jara, former governor of the Meta department, and regional deputy Sigifredo López Tobón. The remainder are police or military personnel.
The FARC is expected to begin releasing them by next Thursday (January 15). The place of release is unknown, but the guerillas may take the hostages over the border into Ecuador in order to avoid attack by the Colombian army.
