Secretary-General welcomes release of hostages by Colombian guerrillas

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the release of two women held by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – known by its Spanish acronym FARC – and expressed hope that other captives will also be let go soon.

The Secretary-General “hopes this gesture will lead to the speedy release of the many remaining kidnap victims,” his spokesperson said in a statement.

“He strongly condemned the practice of kidnapping, which is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law,” the statement added.

According to media reports, Clara Rojas had been held by the rebel group since 2002 and Consuelo González de Perdomo since 2001.