BOGOTA, July 29 (Xinhua) -- Colombia's rebel group the National Liberation Army (ELN) Monday reiterated its intention to free a Canadian citizen kidnapped by the rebels on Jan. 18 in northern Bolivar department (state).
Rebels, who are against mining activity in the region, snatched Jernoc Wobert, vice president of exploration for Canada's Braewal Mining Corporation, from a mining camp, but have offered to return him as a goodwill measure in an effort to seek peace talks with the government.
"We maintain our decision to find a negotiated solution to this problem and hope that it can be resolved soon, so the Canadian citizen can return to the arms of his family," a statement posted on the ELN's website said.
The statement was issued after the Canadian firm announced to " return two of the four mining titles" that give the company rights to mine gold in Bolivar.
The rebels earlier complained that authorities had unfairly taken the titles from local communities to sell them to Braewal. The ELN has opposed oil and mining exploration in Colombian territory, arguing that foreign interests are drawing away too much of the nation's resources and damaging the environment at the expense of local interests.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced last week it had initiated contact with the ELN to set up Wobert's hand-over to Red Cross personnel.
Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos said earlier this month the ELN would have to release all its captives before peace talks can be arranged.
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