Free civilian hostages of Colombian conflict

2.00.00pm GMT Wed 27th Feb 2008

London's Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford has joined a cross-party group of colleagues in the European Parliament in calling for the release by the guerrilla group FARC of civilians, including Ingrid Betancourt, who have been taken hostage during the ongoing military conflict in Colombia between FARC and the government.

Sarah Ludford, Liberal Democrat European justice spokeswoman, has co-sponsored a 'written declaration' (equivalent to an early day motion at Westminster) which calls on the European Union and its member states to take a more active role in helping resolve the conflict and to continue to press for the release of civilian hostages.

The move marks the 6th anniversary of the kidnapping by FARC, which is on the EU terrorist list, of Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt, who is also an EU citizen as she has French nationality.

Sarah Ludford said:

"Civilian hostages should never be used as bargaining chips, and nothing positive can be gained from their detention.

"The release of some hostages recently raised hopes of a wider resolution. The European Union, which has strong links with the region and with Colombia, should do all in its power to help secure respect for human rights by all parties and thus the hope of peace and stability in Colombia."