Colombian Rebels Lay Out
Terms for Exchange
The Revolutionary Armed
Forces of Colombia (FARC)
rejected the eventual
mediation of Spain or
the Catholic Church in
an exchange of prisoners
because of their
positions in favor of
the government of Alvaro
Uribe.
FARC member Commander
Raul Reyes told Prensa
Latina via Internet on
Wednesday that the
guerrillas extradited
and imprisoned in the US
as well as the three CIA
spies captured by FARC
are prisoners of war and
therefore part of a
prisoner exchange.
The withdrawal of
military forces from
Pradera and Florida
municipalities for 45
days are necessary for a
safe zone, but Reyes
said this was a new
dilatory tactic of the
government that prolongs
prisoners' and
relatives' pain.
The guerrilla applauded
President Hugo Chavez'
proposal to recognize
the guerillas as
legitimate belligerents
as the best political
contribution to the
humanitarian exchange
and the quest for peace
among Colombians.
He concluded by labeling
rumors of ill health and
disaffection among FARC
leaders as a lying war
tactic and said
Commander Manuel
Marulanda is in fine
health.
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