Advertisement

Colombia rebels say they’ll free general on Sunday; move seen as aid to peace talks

This Aug. 15, 2014 photo released by Colombia's Army press office shows Colombian Army Gen. Ruben Dario Alzate in Colombia. On Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014, Colombia's main rebel group says it's begun the process of freeing Alzate. The move should revive peace talks between the rebels and Colombia's government that are being held in Cuba. AP Photo/Colombian Army press office, File

HAVANA – Colombia’s main rebel group says it’s begun the process of freeing army Gen. Ruben Dario Alzate, who was captured two weeks ago.

The move should revive peace talks between the rebels and Colombia’s government that are being held in Cuba. President Juan Manuel Santos had suspended 2-year-old talks after the general, a captain and an attorney were seized in a conflictive part of western Colombia on Nov. 16.

Breaking news from Canada and around the world sent to your email, as it happens.

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia said in a communique issued Saturday that it would release the three on Sunday to representatives of Cuba, Norway and the Red Cross, which are backing the peace talks.

The rebels earlier released several other captives.

Alzate is the first general to be taken by the rebel group in a half-century of fighting.

Sponsored content

AdChoices