The French Foreign Ministry refused to comment on the FARC’s announcement that they intend to release captured French journalist Romeo Langlois.
A spokesperson for the French Embassy in Bogota refused to comment on the affair after Colombia Reports’ request, saying “since it’s a delicate affair, we are completely mobilized and in lots of discussions” to assist with the release of Langlois.
Colombia’s largest guerrilla group, the FARC, requested Sunday that a committee consisting of the Red Cross, former Senator Piedad Cordoba and a delegate from the French government facilitate the release of the reporter, who has been in FARC custody since April 28. The Red Cross hopes to meet with Cordoba Monday to discuss Langlois’ release.
“We have to demand the immediate and unconditional release of the French journalist and reiterate that Colombia must end the practice of terrorism, kidnapping and violence by reason or by force,” said Colombia’s Vice President Angelino Garzon in an interview with Caracol Radio.
The armed group has yet to announce a time or location for Langlois’ release.
The France 24 reporter was captured while filming a documentary on counternarcotics operations when the military platoon he was embedded with was attacked by FARC forces April 28, wounding Langlois in the arm.