More hostages freed

Press, 1 April 1980, Page 8

More hostages freed

■ NZPA-Reuter Bogota Two Colombians have been freed by guerrillas I holding the Dominican Republic Embassy in Bogota, bringing to 28 the total of I hostages released since the ( siege started more than one month ago. The Red Cross said the two, judge Simon Rodriguez and Luis Valencia, were taken to a military hospital immediately after their release; Guerrillas of the M-19 group, who stormed the embassy during a Dominican national day reception on Februray 27, are still holdling 27 captives, including 11 (ambassadors.

The Leftist guerrillas ere demanding the release of 70 alleged political prisoners and a $lO million ransom. The Government has rejected {the guerrillas terms saying they could not , release the prisoners without violating the Constitution. A recent decree which could speed up the trial of 212 alleged terrorists ' had raised hopes of a solution. But diplomatic sources have said the negotiations are likely to continue for about two more weeks. The guerrillas have told the Government that the release of 28 of the 70 prison-, ers was not negotiable. ;