Richard Howitt MEP has campaigned for prisoner exchange in Colombia and visited FARC-held territory to consult local communities about prospects for the release of hostages and has hosted visits by families of hostages to the European Parliament. He added:
"However, it is essential that Europe and the world does not lose interest in the hundreds of Colombians who remain missing in what remains the world's worst hostage crisis."
"For this to be a genuine moment of hope, Ingrid must continue to remain a symbol of the victims of human rights abuses on all sides of the Colombian conflict."
Warning of possible reprisal by Colombian guerillas amongst the remaining 700 hostages, Richard Howitt MEP added:
"Hostage families have pleaded with the Colombian government to refrain from military rescues, and it can only be hoped the apparent success of today's military rescue does not provoke a further cycle of violence in which innocent civilians suffer with their lives."
ENDS.
To interview Richard Howitt MEP please ring (UK mobile) 07768 122888
For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.
European Parliamentary Labour Party, European Parliament, Rue Wiertz, 1047 BRUSSELS, Belgium
