Colombia Offers Rebels Prisoner Swap
Colombia’s hardline government said Friday it is willing to meet with members of the country’s main leftist rebel group in an unprecedented offer aimed at freeing dozens of rebel-held hostages, including three Americans. Before any face-to-face meeting can take place, however, the rebels must agree to swap 15 hostages for 15 rebels jailed on minor charges, said Peace Commissioner Luis Carlos Restrepo. Despite mistrust on both sides, Restrepo said the government is willing to release the 15 jailed rebels first, provided the rebel Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, at least expresses a willingness to reciprocate. Full Story