Colombian guerrilla group the FARC have released a video of two hostages pleading with the government to carry out a “humanitarian exchange” of imprisoned guerrillas in return for the hostages’ release, reports El Espectador.
Major William Javier Solorzano was captured on July 4, 2007, while Salin Antonio San Miguel has been in FARC captivity since May 23, 2008.
“With regard to the humanitarian exchange, continue to support Senator Piedad Cordoba, who has been working in this darkness, and is the only one who has been involved in this situation with us,” said San Miguel.
“If only the gentlemen guerrillas would reach an agreement, so that we could embrace our children and, unlike now, see how they grow and grow,” said the corporal.
The “proof of life” video was delivered to Caracol Radio in Cali and shows the two men looking ahead to the next Colombian government to carry out the prisoner exchanges discussed recently.
“We hope the new political winds … help us out of these forests,” said San Miguel.
San Miguel also praised those responsible for the recent releases of Pablo Emilio Moncayo and Josue Daniel Calvo.
The two men also took the opportunity to send messages to their loved ones. “I am sending a very special message to my family,” Sanmiguel said. “My wife Erika, I love you and miss you every day.”
Sanmiguel’s mother, Olga Valderrama, called the messages a “blessing from God.”
“It’s spectacular news, I am happy that my child is at least alive, I put him in the hands of the Holy Spirit,” she said.
William Javier Solorzano meanwhile emphasized the gravity of their situation. “We die a little every day,” he said. “Here we are still waiting for our freedom.”
The FARC are currently holding 22 Colombian soldiers and policemen that they hope to exchange for guerillas imprisoned in Colombia and the U.S.
