AMERICA/COLOMBIA - Church's hope at predicted release of two hostages by Christmas

Bogota (Agenzia Fides) – The Secretary General of the Episcopal Conference of Colombia (CEC), Bishop Juan Vicente Cordoba Villota, Auxiliary of Bucamaranga, said he was confident in the announced release of two members of the Armed Forces and that this may occur before Christmas . "We hope these releases will be a Christmas present," said Bishop Cordoba Villota after a meeting at the headquarters of the CEC, which was also attended by High Commissioner for Peace Frank Pearl, and Christophe Benney, Director in Colombia of the delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Speaking to reporters, the Secretary General of the Conference of Bishops said efforts are being made for the release of Sergeant Pablo Emilio Moncayo, soldier Josué Daniel Calvo, and for recovering the body of Major Julián Guevara, as announced several months ago by guerrilla forces Armed Revolutionary of Colombia (FARC), and why this may occur soon. The logistics of these procedures is not easy and can take several days, so you cannot give a fixed date for the release of these members of Colombian security forces. Bishop Cordoba Villota also added that another meeting will be held with the participation of the ICRC, the High Commissioner for Peace, Senator Piedad Cordoba, and the Secretary General of the CEC, to determine in detail the safety aspects and logistics necessary for the release of other prisoners.
The Colombia is experiencing a very difficult time in its political history, domestically and internationally. The Church promotes the National Accord for Peace and Reconciliation in Colombia with several activities, which are gradually involving more people in the country, yet the people continue to live in fear and dread, even though they struggle for a better future (see Fides 23/11/2009: "Testimony of a Colombian missionary, living amidst violence and praying for peace"). The operations of the Colombian government, however, raise tensions with neighboring countries, as occurred following the July announcement by the Colombian authorities, regarding the grant of U.S. military bases in Colombia. The U.S. military presence on Colombian soil also comes at a time when many Latin American governments are seeking autonomy and non-subordinate relations with the United States. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 03/12/2009)