US embassy cable - 04BOGOTA12903

UNCLAS BOGOTA 012903 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PTER, PHUM, ASEC, PINR, PGOV, CO, FARC 
SUBJECT: GOC OFFERS TO MEET WITH FARC TO FACILITATE 
PRISONER RELEASE 
 
 
1. (U) On December 20, the GOC reiterated its willingness to 
revoke its extradition order against Revolutionary Armed 
Forces of Colombia (FARC) Commander Ricardo Palmera (aka 
"Simon Trinidad") if the FARC releases 63 hostages, including 
the three U.S. contractors, before December 30.  The GOC 
expanded on the proposal by offering to meet with members of 
the FARC in a church in any part of the country to finalize 
the prisoner release, but only if the FARC first releases a 
preliminary group of hostages.  The Roman Catholic Church of 
Colombia would be responsible for the FARC members' safe 
passage to and from the proposed meeting. 
 
2.(U) Unofficial translation of the GOC's communique: 
 
Begin translation: 
 
The government reiterates its willingness to revoke the 
extradition of Simon Trinidad if, before December 30, the 
FARC releases 63 kidnapped Colombians and foreigners. 
 
The government is willing to meet immediately with the FARC 
in any church, rural or urban, in the country, if they first 
release a preliminary group of hostages as a gesture of good 
will.  The meeting's only purpose would be to perfect the 
agreement to facilitate the release of all 63 hostages before 
December 30. 
 
The movement of the members of the FARC to the meeting place 
and their return would be carried out under protection from 
the Church of Colombia. 
 
End translation. 
WOOD