FARC hostages to be freed

BOGOTA, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- The Colombian government said Wednesday it would allow Venezuelan aircraft to land in the country to pick up three hostages held for years by leftist rebels.

The plan to accomplish the release of the three hostages, including a child born in captivity, will involve representatives from five nations, Mercopress reported.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez set forth the plan after negotiating with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known as FARC, Mercopress said.

FARC leaders said last week they would free Clara Rojas, a former vice presidential candidate, her 3-year-old son, Emmanuel, and former lawmaker Consuelo Gonzales.

"If the operation begins tomorrow (Thursday) morning, before the day is over Clara, Consuelo and Emmanuel could be here," Chavez said.

Red Cross and Venezuelan aircraft will fly from Venezuela to Villavicencio in Colombia's Meta Province, south of Bogota, and then on to pick up the hostages at an undisclosed jungle location. Their final destination will be Caracas, Venezuela, Chavez said.

Representatives of France, Argentina, Brazil, Cuba and Ecuador, as well as the International Committee of the Red Cross, will be involved.

The three hostages are among 45 the rebels want to exchange for about 500 FARC members held by the Colombian government.