Thursday, February 14, 2008

FARC Lays Out Terms for Exchange

Paris, Feb 13 (Prensa Latina) The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rejected the eventual mediation of Spain or the Catholic Church in an exchange of prisoners because of their positions in favor of the government of Alvaro Uribe.

FARC member Commander Raul Reyes told Prensa Latina via Internet on Wednesday that the guerrillas extradited and imprisoned in the US as well as the three CIA spies captured by FARC are prisoners of war and therefore part of a prisoner exchange.

The withdrawal of military forces from Pradera and Florida municipalities for 45 days are necessary for a safe zone, but Reyes said this was a new dilatory tactic of the government that prolongs prisoners' and relatives' pain.

The guerrilla applauded President Hugo Chavez' proposal to recognize the guerillas as legitimate belligerents as the best political contribution to the humanitarian exchange and the quest for peace among Colombians.

He concluded by labeling rumors of ill health and disaffection among FARC leaders as a lying war tactic and said Commander Manuel Marulanda is in fine health.

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