Annan condemns kidnapping of Colombian Presidential candidate

Condemning rebels in Colombia for kidnapping a presidential candidate, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has called on all armed groups in the country to halt attacks against civilians.

In a statement released by his spokesman on Sunday, Mr. Annan said the kidnapping of Ingrid Betancourt by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) was a “clear violation” of international humanitarian law.

“Such violent actions undermine the forthcoming elections and intimidate the civilian population,” the statement said.

Mr. Annan urgently appealed to the FARC to release Ms. Betancourt and her campaign manager, as well as all others who have been kidnapped by the group, according to the statement. He also reiterated his call on all armed actors to “respect international humanitarian law and the lives of civilians by ending all forms of violence against them.”