Hostage negotiator Piedad Cordoba said Friday ten FARC hostages held for more than 12 years would be released by “April 3 at the latest,” reported newspaper El Espectador.
It was expected that the ten security force prisoners would be released later this month, but ex-Senator Cordoba stressed unforeseen events could delay proceedings slightly. “Suddenly for any reason, like with the rain, anything can happen — let’s say April 1, 2 or 3,” said the director of NGO Colombians For Peace.
Cordoba denied recent rumors that the leftist rebel group was delaying the release until its demand to be allowed access to jailed FARC members was met.
The former senator plans to request a meeting with President Juan Manuel Santos to discuss a negotiated solution to the conflict.
She was warned by the Justice Minister March 7 that she did not have authorization to visit imprisoned guerrillas as it could affect the course of the complicated peace process.
Cordoba said that she received a letter from U.S. Congressman James McGovern stating his support for the steps taken by Colombians for Peace.
“He [McGovern] has always been very concerned, especially in a way that is fundamental to us, which is not only achieving the release [of hostages] but also working towards a politically negotiated solution to the conflict,” Cordoba said.
