Progress on the deadlocked release of political hostages held by the
FARC is in the hands of President Alvaro Uribe, members of Colombians
for Peace say. Opposition senator Piedad Cordoba, leader of the group, demanded to meet with
the President personally to force a breakthrough.
The FARC promised to release soldier Pablo Emilio Moncayo in April, but the operation is deadlocked over Cordoba’s participation in this release. Uribe wants only the Red Cross to take part in a release operation, while the FARC demand Cordoba take part as guarantee the operation will not be abused by the government. The Red Cross asked both parties to be “generous” to allow the release to go on.
The generosity must now come from Uribe, says Cordoba, who wants to personally meet with the President to find a way to push forward the release.
Meanwhile the FARC offered to release a second soldier in their captivity, but also insist on the presence of Cordoba in this release.
The Government accused the opposition senator of FARC-politics, doing political work for the guerrillas. Inspector General Alejandro Ordoñez opened a disciplinary investigation into the possible ties the senator has with the guerrilla group.
