Colombia: FARC hands eight civilians over to ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross)

International Committee of the Red Cross ^ | July 23, 2008

[HAL9000]

Bogotá (ICRC) – Yesterday, 23 July, in a rural area of Vigía del Fuerte, Antioquia department, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) received eight civilians who had been held by the FARC-EP since 17 July 2008.

The operation was the outcome of a strictly confidential dialogue between the parties concerned and the ICRC’s neutral and independent humanitarian action. The civilians were released following a request made by the FARC to the ICRC.

The ICRC will continue to support efforts to find means of obtaining the release of other hostages and detainees in the hands of armed groups.

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So despite complaints to the contrary, the red cross used on the helicopter to rescue Betancourt and the three Americans has not interfered with the work of the ICRC in Colombia.

[InABunkerUnderSF]

I wonder who those released were?

It looks like the FARC are trying to improve their image. If so, given the number of captives they hold this is a pretty shallow gesture. I don’t think it will impress many Colombians but the European press will probably eat it up.

[Caipirabob]

It looks like the FARC are trying to improve their image.

The only way they can improve their image is by going underground.

6 feet under, and stay there.

FARC needs to be exterminated along with anyone who aids them in any way, shape or form.