This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS BOGOTA 012903
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PTER PHUM ASEC PINR PGOV CO FARC
SUBJECT: GOC OFFERS TO MEET WITH FARC TO FACILITATE
PRISONER RELEASE
1. (U) On December 20, the GOC reiterated its willingness to
revoke its extradition order against Revolutionary Armed
Forces of Colombia (FARC) Commander Ricardo Palmera (aka
"Simon Trinidad") if the FARC releases 63 hostages, including
the three U.S. contractors, before December 30. The GOC
expanded on the proposal by offering to meet with members of
the FARC in a church in any part of the country to finalize
the prisoner release, but only if the FARC first releases a
preliminary group of hostages. The Roman Catholic Church of
Colombia would be responsible for the FARC members' safe
passage to and from the proposed meeting.
2.(U) Unofficial translation of the GOC's communique:
Begin translation:
The government reiterates its willingness to revoke the
extradition of Simon Trinidad if, before December 30, the
FARC releases 63 kidnapped Colombians and foreigners.
The government is willing to meet immediately with the FARC
in any church, rural or urban, in the country, if they first
release a preliminary group of hostages as a gesture of good
will. The meeting's only purpose would be to perfect the
agreement to facilitate the release of all 63 hostages before
December 30.
The movement of the members of the FARC to the meeting place
and their return would be carried out under protection from
the Church of Colombia.
End translation.
WOOD