Colombia says to seek direct contact with rebels
Mon Jul 7, 2008 6:02 PM BST136
BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombia said on Monday it would seek direct hostage talks with leftist rebels following last week's rescue of 15 captives, and may suspend the role of European countries that have tried to mediate a deal.
The stunning rescue of French-Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt, three U.S. defence contractors and 11 Colombian soldiers and police officers after years in captivity has strengthened the government's bargaining position against the guerrillas.
"The decision that we have made -- following the liberation of Ingrid, the three Americans and the members of our security forces -- is to put efforts in motion to make direct contact," Colombian Peace Commissioner Luis Carlos Restrepo told local radio.
France, Spain and Switzerland have been seeking to broker an accord with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known as the FARC, for the release of 25 high-profile hostages, some of whom have been held for more than 10 years in secret jungle camps. The FARC additionally holds hundreds of hostages for ransom.
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