FARC releases new video of hostage MP

Caracas, Venezuela, 21 June 2008. Today the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) released a 30 minute video of hostage MP Sigifredo Lopez. It is a recent proof of his life and health condition. The video was handled by FARC to the Catholic Church and Colombian Ombudsman Hernan Sandoval. Lopez was kidnapped in 2002 at Cali along other  11 Members of Parliament. He is the only surviving MP from that group as they were killed in uncleared circumstances over a year ago. The Alvaro Uribe administration states they were killed by FARC. However, FARC says they died as a government commando tried to rescue them. OAS investigated their death. It found the dead bodies showed multiple gun fires but could not determine who killed the eleven MPs on 18 June last year. Lopez escaped the killing as he was away in a disciplinary punishment regime.

 This video release is rather meaningful. It shows that FARC and a government appointed committee are getting along for negotiations on further releases. This bring hope for a prompt release of other hostages. This is the first time FARC makes a move on hostage release after the death of its leader Manuel Marulanda. Lopes advocated for the continuation of negotiations for the humanitarian agreement between government and FARC.

Sources: RCN, Unionradio, Globovision, Caracol, El Tiempo, El Colombiano, Telesur,