[NYTr] Release of Colombian Hostages: Hope for Peace in a Country at War
 
Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:17:19 -0600 (CST)


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Agencia Cubana de Noticias (ACN)
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Release of Colombian Hostages: Hope for Peace in a Country at War

Havana, Jan 10 (acn) The release on Thursday of Colombians Clara Rojas 
and Consuelo Gonzalez, who had been held by the Colombian Armed Forces 
(FARC) for five years, sparks hope for peace in the South American 
country, which has been at war for decades.

In what has been described as a historic day for Colombia, Latin 
America and the world, the FARC handed the two women over to a 
humanitarian mission, headed by President Hugo Chavez, deep inside the 
Colombian jungle. Moving images of the successful operation, which 
ended with President Hugo Chavez receiving the two Colombian women in 
Caracas with their relatives, were broadcast live by Telesur 
re-broadcast on Cuban Television.

After being freed in the heart of the Colombian jungle and in the
presence of officials from Venezuela, Cuba and the International Red
Cross, both women thanked President Hugo Chavez for his selfless
support and for having contributed to the opening of a new path towards
peace.

Clara Rojas, a former vice presidential candidate, and 
ex-parliamentarian Consuelo Gonzalez expressed their respect and 
gratitude to the FARC guerrilla fighters who accompanied them and said 
that an exchange of political prisoners is possible and part of the 
much longed for peace in a country that has been at war for decades.

Cuban Ambassador to Caracas German Sanchez, who took part in the 
operation, described the event as a historic development for Latin 
America. He thanked the Alvaro Uribe government and said that the 
heartbeat of the planet could be heard in Colombia during the release 
of the hostages.

 From the very beginning, the operation made media headlines in Latin 
America and the world, which also echoed the messages of 
congratulations sent by the governments of Ecuador, Brazil, Mexico and 
others, as well as international organizations and personalities.

Cuba-other articles/lach/mk/ycr
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