Only days ago, the peasant Ricardo Correa managed to escape from FARC seven days after being kidnapped on January 23, in the northeastern province of Norte de Santander.Colombian authorities estimate that FARC holds some 770 people hostage, most of them for ransom. The rebels have sought to exchange some 40 of these hostages for at least 500 imprisoned members of FARC, including two who have been extradited to the United States. Among the hostages with political relevance are three US contractors and several Colombian politicians, soldiers and police officers.
