Ill Hostage Released in Peru; Government OKs More Talks
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LIMA, Peru — Peruvian rebels occupying the Japanese ambassador’s residence released their first hostage in 17 days Friday. The Red Cross said the hostage needed medical attention.
Red Cross representative Michel Minnig identified the hostage as Luis Valencia Hirano, a top official with Peru’s anti-terrorism police.
The release was followed almost immediately by a brief statement from official negotiator Domingo Palermo saying the government was ready to resume talks with the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement rebels but would not accept their main demand of freedom for about 400 jailed comrades.
The rebels, who seized the residence Dec. 17, still hold 73 hostages.
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