Freed hostages bring sad news from Colombia

[Judi Lynn]

28/02 13:33 CET
Freed hostages bring sad news from Colombia

The latest hostages freed by rebels in Colombia say they are overjoyed to have escaped their "living hell". Released in a deal brokered by Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez, they said they felt reborn. "I am happy, overjoyed. I felt I was dead, now I have come back to life," said freed Colombian senator, Gloria Polanco.

But there was also sadness. Polanco said their fellow-hostage, Ingrid Betancourt, perhaps the most well-known FARC prisoner, was seriously ill. "I ask you from the bottom of my heart, in front of everyone, to fight for Ingrid's release urgently. She is very sick, Mr President, very sick," she said. "She is suffering from Hepatitis B, and she is near the end."

The releases are another success for Venezuela's increasingly influential leader. He appealed to the rebel chief directly: "Marulanda, the first thing I am asking you is to improve Ingrid's conditions. Move her to a command post nearer to you. That is the first thing I ask as we try to find a way to free her."

A deal to release more high-profile captives has stalled over the FARC's demand that Colombian soldiers withdraw during any hostage exchange. President Alvaro Uribe has refused, saying that would give the rebels licence to re-group.

http://www.euronews.net/index.php?page=info&article=472384&lng=1

[Judi Lynn]

1. 4 hostages freed by Colombian rebels appeal to Chavez to press for release of other captives

4 hostages freed by Colombian rebels appeal to Chavez to press for release of other captives
JORGE RUEDA, Associated Press Writer
February 28, 2008 3:19 AM

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - Four hostages freed by Colombian rebels after six years in captivity appealed to President Hugo Chavez to press for the freedom of the remaining captives.

It was the second such release this year by the leftist rebels, who are seeking to put pressure on Colombia's U.S.-allied government and persuade the international community to strike them from lists of terrorist groups

Upon the hostages' return, the Venezuelan president - who coordinated Wednesday's release - made a direct plea to the rebels' commander for the release of Ingrid Betancourt, one of the most high profile of those still in captivity.

The four ex-lawmakers were reunited with relatives amid tears, hugs and grasped flowers at Caracas' international airport.

More:
http://www.newspress.com/Top/Article/article.jsp?Section=WORLD&ID=565252524312233575

[algoreagain]

2. Thank god they have been reunited

With their families and loved ones.