European mediators seek out Colombia rebels - source

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Reuters

European mediators seek out Colombia rebels - source
By Patrick Markey

BOGOTA, June 30 (Reuters) - Two European mediators are seeking contacts with Colombian FARC guerrilla commanders to try to break a deadlock over talks to release hostages held for years in jungle camps, a government source said on Monday.

Contact with the FARC's new commander, Alfonso Cano, could be an initial step toward negotiations over the hostages as Latin America's oldest rebel insurgency comes under increasing pressure from military attacks and growing desertions.

A French and a Swiss negotiator have spent three days in the area where top commanders are believed to operate as part of efforts to free kidnap victims, who include French-Colombian Ingrid Betancourt and three Americans, the source said.

"The government has given all the guarantees for this mission," the government source said, asking he not be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter. "We know that this is advancing."



Read more: http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/VDUX-7G4RVS?OpenDocument