Colombia: Handover of 2 soldiers held captive by FARC rebels appears imminent
By APSaturday, March 27, 2010
Colombian rebel captives’ release seems imminent
VILLAVICENCIO, Colombia — The release of two soldiers held by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia appears imminent nearly a year after the rebels first announced it.
Two loaned Brazilian helicopters with Red Cross logos arrived Saturday in the eastern city of Villavicencio. They are to pick up the ailing 23-year-old Pvt. Josue Calvo on Sunday. Calvo has been a captive for a year.
Sgt. Pablo Emilio Moncayo is to be freed separately in the coming days. He has been held for 12 years.
Leading the mission is opposition Sen. Piedad Cordoba, to whom the FARC gave pickup coordinates.
Colombia’s military has agreed to halt operations in the handover zones.
The remains of a police major who died in captivity are also to be returned.
