BOGOTA, June 4 (UPI) -- Colombian rebels said they would not release any hostages despite government promises to free numerous imprisoned comrades, it was reported Monday.
Rebels said in a statement published on one of their web sites that the government would have to create a safe environment in order for talks to move ahead, a request Bogota has repeatedly denied.
Last week, Colombia transferred almost 200 imprisoned leftist rebels to a holding center in hopes of winning the release about 60 hostages held by the rebel group, El Tiempo reported Monday.
President Alvaro Uribe said the rebels must promise not to return to a life of crime if they are to be freed from the holding center Thursday. The Colombian government is reviewing the applications of the rebels to determine if they can be let go.
In turn, Colombian officials said they hoped the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, would release about five dozen hostages, including three American defense contractors held since February 2003.
FARC has battled Colombian forces for more than 40 years.
