Colombia Awaiting FARC
Xmas Present
Colombians began their
week of waiting Monday,
for the Christmas
release of three people
promised to be released
to Venezuelan President
Hugo Chavez by the
Colombian Revolutionary
Armed Forces (FARC).
FARC announced last week
they will hand over
Clara Rojas, ex
presidential candidate
Ingrid Betancourt's
running mate who was
captured with her in
2002, her son Enmanuel
and Representative
Consuelo Gonzalez,
detained since 2003, to
President Chavez
Caracas reports that,
after he returns from
his visit to Cuba, the
Venezuelan president
will take charge of
making the necessary
arrangements to receive
the released prisoners,
which could happen
before year end.
While Colombian media
speculate on where the
exchange will take
place, authorities have
made few announcements,
insisting that FARC's
humanitarian gesture be
looked upon favorably.
The debate continues
over the Colombian
government's action on
November 21 to abruptly
halt, what many
Colombians perceive as
important progress by
President Chavez and
Senator Cordova,
mediation for exchange
of prisoners, causing a
serious crisis with
Venezuela. |
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