Colombians to vote on hostage swap

BOGOTA, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Colombian voters will be deciding whether the government should swap jailed leftist rebels for the hostages they hold.

The referendum will be held the same time as congressional elections in March, El Tiempo reported Friday.

The latest polls suggest Colombians are behind the deal.

"There is total support for this proposal," said Colombia's Peace Commissioner Luis Carlos Restrepo.

The county's largest rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Force of Colombia, are currently holding about 60 hostages, say Colombian officials, including former presidential hopeful Ingrid Betancourt