PRESIDENCY OF THE REPUBLIC OF COLOMBIA

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE

HIGH PEACE COMMISSIONER

HUMANITARIAN EXCHANGE IN COLOMBIA - NEWS ALERT

COLOMBIAN GOVERNMENT PROPOSES HUMANITARIAN EXCHANGE.

FRANCE , SWITZERLAND , AND CATHOLIC CHURCH TO PROVIDE GUARANTEES.

From the start of his administration, the President of Colombia has authorized the United Nations, the Catholic Church, national dignitaries and foreign governments to act as facilitators to reach a humanitarian exchange according to well-know public criteria. To date, all efforts have been unsuccessful.

Last July 23rd, the government presented to the facilitators the following proposal addressed to the FARC:

"Pursuant to Colombian laws and in a unilateral manner, the Government releases 50 guerrillas, indicted or convicted for rebellion, and offers them an alternative for their reincorporation into society. Two possibilities are proposed: Travel abroad or undertake a productive project in Colombia in the National Government's reinsertion program. These alternatives will be carried out under the guarantee of France and the Colombian Church.

Immediately thereafter, the guerrillas release individuals kidnapped for political motives and members of the Public Force held by the FARC. Support for their release will be provided by Switzerland, France, and the International Committee of the Red Cross."

Luis Carlos Restrepo

High Commissioner for Peace