FARC releases hostage in Colombian jungle
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The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) released on Sunday professional private Jouse Daniel Calvo in the jungles of Colombia by delivering him to a Humanitarian Commission led by Colombian Senator Piedad Cordoba.
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Josue Calvo (5th L), released by the FARC, or Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, is welcomed by his family members upon his arrival in the eastern city of Villavicencio, Colombia, March 28, 2010, A Red Cross-led mission flew into Colombia's southern jungles on Sunday to pick up the ailing 23-year-old soldier Pvt. Josue Calvo, who has been held captive by the FARC for a year. [Gerez/Xinhua] |
The movement Colombians for Peace (CCP) said on Sunday the release was carried out in an undetermined zone of the Colombian jungle in the south of the country.
CCP's spokesman Ricardo Montenegro said that Calvo was delivered to the humanitarian mission led by Cordoba, which arrived in the jungle aboard a helicopter offered by the Brazilian government.
Calvo was taken in a helicopter of the Brazilian government to Vanguardia airport in Villavicencio city, capital of Meta department in the center of the country. In Villavicencio, Calvo's father and relatives were waiting for him since Saturday.
Calvo, 23, did not want to use the wheelchair or crutches despite he limps when walking.
Colombian Senator Piedad Cordoba, who led the humanitarian mission to receive Calvo, said that "he is excited as it is normal. He was very dizzy during the flight. We thought he would be in worse health conditions. He has an injured knee due to the clash when he was made captive."
Cordoba thanked the Brazilian government for the logistic support and the International Red Cross, the Catholic Church, the Colombian government and the FARC for allowing Calvo to recover his freedom.
Cordoba said they hoped to continue with the release process of Sergeant Pablo Emilio Moncayo and the government to give all the help for his release after 11 years of captivity.
The humanitarian mission which received Calvo at the Colombian jungle was formed by Cordoba, two delegates of the International Red Cross, bishop Leonardo Gomes and two members of the CCP.
Calvo was kidnapped on April 20, 2009 by the FARC during a clash with the rebels, since then he had suffered health problems, which have impeded him to walk long distances due to an injury in his knee.
Calvo was made hostage by the Front 27 of the FARC in the rural zone of Vista Hermosa municipality in Meta department.
