Colombia's FARC rebel group says it plans to free five of the hostages in its custody.
The FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) said in a statement Wednesday that it would free two politicians and three members of the military. The statement did not specify a date. The leftist guerrilla group said the release date would depend on guarantees from the government that the captives would be received by former mediator and senator Piedad Cordoba.
In September, Colombia's inspector general expelled the outspoken opposition senator from Congress and barred her from public service for 18 years, because of her alleged links with the FARC rebel group.
Inspector General Alejandro Ordonez said Cordoba was dismissed for "promoting and collaborating" with the FARC, the country's largest guerrilla group. Cordoba has been involved in past efforts to secure the release of hostages held by the FARC.
The FARC has been at war with the Colombian government since the 1960s. The rebel group has been designated as a terrorist organization by Colombia, the United States and the European Union.
