The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC)says it wants the government to end all its military operations in the south-east of the country in return for the release of the three US citizens it took hostage over a week ago. This is the first time the FARC has claimed responsibility for a kidnapping.
The rebels took the three Americans hostage after the plane they were travelling in crashed in a remote jungle area. Two other passengers, an American and a Colombian, were shot dead on site. The rebels claim the Americans are agents of the Central Intelligence Agency, the CIA.
A huge search operation by thousands of Colombian troops backed by helicopters is currently underway.
The FARC are also still holding a former Colombian presidential candidate, Ingrid Betancourt who was abducted exactly one year ago. A service in her honour is due to be held tomorrow in the capital, Bogot�. Demonstrations calling for her release will also be held in Paris, Madrid and Amsterdam.
Radio Netherlands News Update Sunday 23 February 2003more Ingrid Betancourt: here and ici
