Colombia says to seek direct contact with rebels

[EFerrari]

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.

http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/articlenews.aspx?type=worldNews&storyID=2008-07-07T180205Z_01_N07382455_RTRUKOC_0_UK-COLOMBIA-HOSTAGES-MEDIATORS.xml&pageNumber=0&imageid=&cap=&sz=13&WTModLoc=NewsArt-C1-ArticlePage2

[Judi Lynn]

1. They're actually using this as a cover to bump Swizerland out altogether.

I read some criticism in the last few days coming FROM Switzerland concerning Uribe. Looks as if Uribe is in a snit over it.

Also, Uribe KILLED France's contact man, Raul Reyes only a short time before he was expected, through negotiations with France, to deliver Betancourt, himself.

That means Uribe is also angry at France for attempting to negotiate her release themselves without consulting Uribe first.

Do you remember they issued a report a couple of weeks ago claiming they were following the group so closely they could hear the three Americans talking among themselves? That was interesting, if true. It's hard to imagine any of Uribe's forces being admonished NOT to wade in and slaughter everyone in sight. That kind of self-denial is unexpected.

[EFerrari]

2. Uribe's argument is ridiculous.

He is now accusing the most steadfastly neutral nation in the world of "helping the terrorists". It doesn't even make sense in the black and white world of right wing nuttery.

[Judi Lynn]

3. Ha! Switzerland will have to change it's name to "useful idiotland."

That's got to be a first anywhere! Calling the Swiss a bunch of FARC sympathizers. It was just a matter of time before the world found out all about them!



Who's next? Sweden? Norway? Finland?