Colombian rebels release four hostages held for six years
Wednesday, 27 Feb 2008 19:58
The four former lawmakers were held for more than six years
Colombian rebels have released four former lawmakers held hostage for more than six years.
The hostages were released in the southern jungles of Colombia, near San Jose del Guaviare, today after negotiations with the Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez.
The three men and one woman were transported in Venezuelan helicopters, painted with Red Cross logos, to the Venezuelan border town of Santo Domingo.
"We want the relatives to know they are in our hands and safe and sound," said Venezuelan government spokesman Jesse Chacon.
Mr Chacon also confirmed that Mr Chavez had personally spoken to the freed hostages by telephone after their release.
The Venezuelan government said that Gloria Polanco, Luis Eladio Perez, Orlando Beltran and Jorge Gechem were handed over by a column of around 60 rebels today.
Mr Gechem's wife Lucy told a local radio station: "I don't know what I am going to say to him because it is going to be such a happy moment. I always waited for him and I always fought for him."
The four released captives are among an estimated 750 hostages captured in the past by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
Today's release was welcomed by the French and US Governments.