FARC rebels dismissed possibility of freeing a hostage as a humanitarian gesture. They also confirmed demands to demilitarise 2 zones in south-west Colombia to achieve a humanitarian exchange.

FARC spokesperson stated former Senator Luis Eladio Perez was their prisoner and would not be freed. He stressed that the rumoured freeing of the hostage was “a rumour started by the Colombian secret services in order to worry the humble ciitizens of Colombia”.

Perez was kidnapped by FARC 5 years ago; his wife Angela has asked for a goodwill gesture from the rebels. Last week, it was rumoured the former politician was ill and that he could be freed as a humanitarian gesture by FARC.

“For the moment this news is reassuring”, she declared; she will continue to work towards a negotiated agreement.

In his reply, Reyes confirmed demands that the “exchange be bilateral. That is why they insist on the demilitarisation of the Pradera and Florida communes to negotiate the agreement”.

FARC also hold 57 hostages among them politicians, military personnel and Ingrid Betancourt, kidnapped on February 2002, as well as three American contractors whom they wish to “exchange” for FARC members held in prison, in and outside Colombia.