Colombia's ELN frees soldier before peace talks with government

The National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla movement on Monday freed a Colombian soldier who was taken hostage a week ago in the northern department of Arauca.

The 39-year-old soldier, Fredy Ernesto Moreno, was handed over to delegates from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Saravena, Arauca, and he was in good health, the ICRC said in a statement.

The ICRC reiterated its readiness to help humanitarian operations in the South American country.

The release came a day before the peace talks between the Colombian government and the ELN scheduled to begin in Quito, Ecuador on Tuesday.

The family of Moreno had asked President Juan Manuel Santos not to begin the peace process until their relative was released.

Last week, the ELN freed former lawmaker, Odin Sanchez, who had been taken hostage 10 months ago. His release was set by President Santos as a precondition for the peace talks in Quito.

In exchange for Sanchez's liberation, the government released two ELN members, Nixon Cobos and Leivis Valero, who were seriously ill in prison. They were taken to medical centers later.

source: Xinhua