The UN Secretary General "welcomes" the announcement of the release of the 15 Colombian hostages (including the former presidential nominee Ingrid Betancourt, 3 American nationals and 11 members of the Colombian Armed Forces), abducted by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), some of whom had remained in the hands of the rebel group for years. "These hostages, like others who are still prisoners in Colombia, have suffered deprivation and hardships for years. Abduction is an abominable crime and a breach of international humanitarian rights", said Ban Ki-moon in a statement made by his spokesman. The Secretary General made an appeal to Farc to "immediately and unconditionally release the other hostages, whose safety they are responsible for". Ban Ki-moon also exhorted Farc and other rebel groups to "start talks with the authorities to release the hostages and put an end to the violence that has been plaguing Colombia for such a long time".
