The Colombian defense minister has accused the FARC of deliberately delaying the promised release of ten hostages held more than 12 years, reported local media Monday.
Juan Carlos Pinzon said that the government had done everything demanded by the rebels when it announced the planned release last November. “All the items that had to be agreed have been agreed, everything that was in our hands has been done,” he said.
Every week the rebels announced a new message or requirement, said the minister, in what he called “a strategy to delay and buy time.”
The FARC promised to release the ten security force captives months ago, but announced last month it had suspended the plans as it had learnt the government was planning to attempt a military rescue — which officials vehemently denied.
The government has also agreed that Brazil can provide helicopters for the release, and finalized a protocol for the operation with the Red Cross.
“We are now at the point where [the FARC] should set the times, dates and places, and quickly handover these people and not subject them to yet more torture,” stated Pinzon.