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 30 August 2008 17:39 BST

Colombia's president admits Betancourt rescuer wore Red Cross

Wednesday, 16 Jul 2008 19:39
Ingrid Betancourt was freed earlier this month
Colombia's president has said that a Red Cross symbol was worn by one of the rescue crew which freed 15 hostages, including Ingrid Betancourt, from left-wing Farc rebels.

Alvaro Uribe issued an apology to the international organisation for the mistake made by the soldier.

It is considered a violation of the Geneva Conventions and international law to misuse the Red Cross symbol.

Ms Betancourt and the other hostages were freed after rescuers tricked the rebels into releasing them by posing as international aid workers.

Mr Uribe said the mistake had been made by a nervous soldier who had accidentally contradicted "official orders".

The name of the soldier in question would not be released "because we do not want to affect his career", the president said.

"We regret that this occurred," he added.

The rescue mission took place on July 2nd and freed former presidential candidate Ms Betancourt six years after she was originally kidnapped.End of story


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