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    April 02, 2012

Colombian Rebels Free 10 Long-Time Hostages

   VOA News
   Former hostages Army sergeant Jose Libardo Forero, left, and police
   officer Carlos Duarte
   Photo: AP
   Former hostages Army sergeant Jose Libardo Forero, left, and police
   officer Carlos Duarte, right, are accompanied by medical personnel
   after being released by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or
   FARC, in Villavicencio, Colombia, Monday, April 2, 2012.

   The Red Cross says Colombian rebels have freed 10 hostages held in the
   jungle for 12 years or longer.
   Officials with the International Red Cross say the four soldiers and
   six policemen were airlifted from their jungle prison Monday aboard a
   helicopter supplied by the Brazilian air force. They were flown to the
   city of Villavicencio.
   The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known as FARC, promised to
   free the captives in February. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos
   has refused to negotiate with FARC until it stopped kidnappings.
   But some Colombian civilian groups believe FARC is still holding as
   many as 700 hostages and they doubt the rebels are serious about
   talking peace.
   FARC has been active since 1964, saying it is fighting for the rights
   of the poor. It funds its operations mainly through drug trafficking
   and holding hostages for ransom.
   Colombia, the European Union, and United States regard FARC as a
   terrorist group.

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