U.N. Calls for End to Kidnappings in Colombia

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Saturday, April 06, 2002

U.N. Calls for End to Kidnappings in Colombia

The United Nations on Friday called on Colombia's guerrillas and right-wing paramilitary groups to put an end to the kidnapping of officials and civilians.

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The United Nations on Friday called on Colombia's guerrillas and right-wing paramilitary groups to put an end to the kidnapping of officials and civilians.

In a communique, the U.N. Human Rights High Commissioner's Office expressed concerns over the fate of those political leaders being held as hostages in this South American country.

It was necessary that all the armed groups in the country "strictly respect the lives of people and human rights", said the U.N. human rights agency. It asked at the same time that the Colombian government strengthen citizens protection.

The U.N. condemned the abduction of mayors and town councilors by armed groups this week in the Colombian eastern province of Arauca.

The kidnapping of Arauca officials was a "serious violation" of international humanitarian law, said the U.N. special body.

Authorities blame the guerrillas for the kidnapping of mayors Jose Trinidad Sierra and Ernesto Espitio, as well as three town councilors from Saravena, Gravo Norte and Tame, in Arauca.

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