International representative still not confirmed in hostage release

The government’s Peace Commissioner, Luis Carlos Restrepo, held a two hour meeting with Liberal Party Senator Piedad Córdoba in which he confirmed her participation in the process alongside the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Nevertheless, the option of including an international representative in the process, requested by the FARC, is still uncertain.

Hostage family members have expressed their concern about this disagreement and fear that it might interfere with or delay the process.

On the other hand, the commissioner once again expressed his confidence in the ICRC’s work as a strategic player in the release, and so did Senator Córdoba, who remains optimistic.

Senator Córdoba also declared that no media will be allowed to be present at the time of the hostage release in order to avoid a “media show”, as she named it.

Among the hostages to be freed are Alan Jara, former governor of Meta province, and former provincial deputy of Valle del Cauca, Sigifredo López.