Colombia frees rebels

FARC leader Manuel Marulanda sees soldiers off

By Clare Marshall in Santiago

For the first time in the history of Colombia's 37-year civil war, the government has released 11 Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia (FARC) guerrillas in exchange for 29 captured government soldiers.

Emotional return: A released soldier is welcomed by his family

It is the second stage of a prisoner release programme which many hope will bolster the ailing peace talks to end the country's bloody civil war.

For government servicemen finally freed from captivity in makeshift jungle prisons, it was an emotional reunion with their relatives.

Many had been held for up to three years.

'Profound emotion'

Top peace negotiator, Camilo Gomez, had flown to the guerrilla-controlled territory 300km south of the capital Bogota to oversee their release. He said it was a moment of profound emotion.

Fulfilling the government's side of the bargain, the plane carrying the freed FARC members landed in the rebel-controlled zone, where they were greeted by their chief Manuel Marulanda.

Part of the exchange agreement is that these rebels will not take any direct part in future hostilities.

This landmark prisoner swap is the first concrete step to be taken after more than two years of negotiations.

More exchanges are expected to take place over the next few days, but there is still no discussion of a ceasefire to the fighting that has claimed 40,000 lives in the last 10 years.