The Colombian government announced Saturday it has authorized opposition Senator Piedad Cordoba to mediate the release of hostages in FARC captivity.
According to a press release, the Government asks for a quick release of hostages, some of whom are held in the Colombian jungle for more than twelve years.
The release of two hostages had been deadlocked over a diagreement between rebels and government over the involvement of the senator in the release and the government’s demand only to allow the release of hostages when it happens unconditionally and all 24 political hostages are released at once.
The government took the decision to allow the opposition senator to take part in the mediation after meeting families of hostages in Bogota.
The FARC is holding 24 members of the security forces hostage and is suspected of having kidnapped hundreds of civilians for extortion purposes.