U.N. Urges FARC Rebels to Release Colombian Hostages

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, February 22, 2002

U.N. Urges FARC Rebels to Release Colombian Hostages

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The United Nations special envoy for Colombia James Lemoyne urged the country's largest rebel group FARC on Thursday to release all of their hostages, saying the U.N. feels regret for the break-off of the peace process in Colombia.

Addressing a news conference at the Colombian Casa de Narino presidential residence, Lemoyne called on the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) to release at once all the hostages and to respect the lives of civilians in the fighting.

Violations of international human rights and abduction of thousands of Colombians and foreigners are "not acceptable," Lemoyne told reporters.

"The Secretary General deeply regrets the break-off of the peace dialogue between the Colombian government and FARC, and recognizes the extraordinary efforts of President Pastrana in search for peace during the last four years," Lemoyne said.

Reiterating his determination to boost the peace process in Colombia, Lemoyne said the U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan " urgently calls on FARC to respect the lives of civilians and halt the violence among Colombians."

Colombian President Andres Pastrana announced late Wednesday the suspension of the peace talks with the FARC hours after a plane was hijacked by FARC rebels. The president also ordered government troops to take over the rebel-controlled demilitarized zone in the south of the country.

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