The Colombian government said Tuesday it will not negotiate with the FARC for the release of French journalist Romeo Langlois who has been held captive by the guerrillas since April 28.
According to Defense Minister Juan Carlos Pinzon, was quoted by his ministry’s website as saying that “this criminal organization that is involved in terrorist activities, drug trafficking, the recruitment of minors and an uncountable number of crimes, can not establish conditions of any sort and because of this, the national government can not debate with criminals.”
The defense minister called for an immediate release of the journalist, who according to the FARC will be released if Colombia initiates a debate about the role of the press in the conflict.
According to the Red Cross, the group has not made any contact that would allow the aid organization to organize a humanitarian operation to release Langlois.
The Frenchman was captured by FARC fighters ten days ago when the army unit he was embedded with was attacked by the guerrillas’ 15th front and Langlois got shot in the arm.