Dec 1, 8:11 PM EST
Colombian general captured by rebels resigns
By JOSHUA GOODMAN
Associated Press
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) -- An army general whose surprise capture by leftist rebels nearly derailed two years of peace talks has resigned after coming under pressure for venturing into guerrilla territory dressed as a civilian and without bodyguards.
Gen. Ruben Alzate, in his first remarks since being freed Sunday by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, said he regretted that his decision not to follow military protocol had tarnished the institution he's served proudly for more than 33 years.
"Out of love and respect for our military institution, which has been affected by this incident, I've asked the national government to retire me from active service," Alzate, holding back tears and surrounded by his family, said Monday from a military hospital where he's recovering from his ordeal
Alzate is the highest-ranking officer ever seized by the FARC in 50 years of fighting and his capture two weeks ago forced President Juan Manuel Santos to immediately suspend talks taking place in Cuba.
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