BBC News
Colombian rebels release videos of five hostages
June 8--Colombian rebels have released videos indicating that four policemen and a soldier they have been holding since the late 1990s are still alive.
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In the videos, the men urge officials to hold talks with the rebels.
It was not clear when the recordings were made but they have emerged just two weeks before the second round of Colombia's presidential election.
Candidates Juan Manuel Santos and Antanas Mockus both say a condition for talks is an end to hostage-taking.
The videos came to light via Senator Piedad Cordoba, who has previously played a key role in bringing about the release of hostages held by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc).
One of the hostages shown in the videos is Cpl Jose Libio Martinez. He was seized in 1997 together with Sgt Pablo Emilio Moncayo, who was freed earlier this year.
"I don't want to be the last man freed, but rather the last man taken hostage," he said.
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