Uribe proposes FARC hostage liberation in exchange of no US extradition

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Caracas, Venezuela, 11 June 2008. During his intervention today at Risarlada -Western Colombia -President Uribe proposed FARC that if all hostages are liberate, his government would not pursue the US extradition of its members. However, FARC has yet to confirm its intention to liberate all hostages.

Earlier today and according to various Colombian newspapers, President Alvaro Uribe informed that an unidentified member of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) had approached the director of the Administrative Department of Security (DAS), María del Pilar Hurtado, over the phone. During their phone conversation, this FARC member proposed the liberation of a hostages in exchange of guarantees he would avoid US extradition. This event prompted President Uribe to make a more general option to FARC. 

It has also emerged that various FARC members have approached the government peace negotiator, Luis Carlos Restrepo, asking for guarantees of their asylum in France.  These proposal have taken place after the death of FARC leader, Manuel Marulanda. In addition, just few days ago, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez asked FARC to liberate all hostages unconditionally and integrate into Colombian political society.   

More news to come

Sources: El Tiempo, Caracol, Unionradio, The Economist, El Colombiano, El Nuevo Siglo,  

Related stories: Chavez asks new FARC leadership to liberate all hostages unconditionally, FARC and France disagree over Ingrid Betancourt (updated), New Mexico Geovernor Bill Richardson meets Chavez over American FARC hostages