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Colombian Rebels Agree to Release Captured General

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FARC Commander Pastor Alape talks to reporters in Havana about the suspension of peace talks following the capture of a general in Colombia, Nov. 18, 2014.
FARC Commander Pastor Alape talks to reporters in Havana about the suspension of peace talks following the capture of a general in Colombia, Nov. 18, 2014.

The Colombian government and leftist rebels have struck a deal on conditions to free a general the guerrillas are holding captive.

The government has suspended peace talks being held in Cuba until the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) frees General Ruben Dario Alzate, who was seized over the weekend.

Cuba, Norway, Venezuela and Chile, who are assisting in the peace talks, announced the agreement Wednesday in the Cuban capital. The statement did not say when or where Alzate might be freed or give any details on the conditions for his release.

The FARC, Colombia's largest rebel group, has kidnapped scores of civilians and soldiers for ransom during its 50-year insurgency against the government. The group pledged in 2012 to stop kidnapping civilians, but said it would still target police and military personnel.

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