Colombian Rebel Group Vowed to Free Hostages

A left-wing rebel group in Colombia called FARC announced that they will release 10 Colombian security force hostages and will abandon kidnapping for ransom. Most of the hostages have been held for over ten years. The group announced that it will abandon kidnappings just after the completion of an 110 hour radio marathon, held by relatives of the hostages, demanding the release of the hostages. FARC said that the kidnappings were to help finance their cause and stated, "Much has been said about the kidnapping of civilians for financial goals, which we, the Farc carry out to finance our struggle". The Colombian government approves of the release of the captives but is saying that this alone is not enough to gain peace talks. The government is calling for FARC to also stop their attacks, stop recruiting minors, and to stop trafficking drugs before peace talks can begin.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-17173832

by Matthew Draper