The daddy of Liverpool footballer Luis Diaz, who was kidnapped in Colombia, can be freed “as quickly as potential”, based on a consultant of the insurgent group holding him.
Luis Manuel Diaz and his spouse, Cilenis Marulanda, were snatched by armed men on motorbikes at a petroleum station within the town of Barrancas, in La Guajira, close to the border with Venezuela, on Saturday.
She was rescued inside hours after police arrange roadblocks – however the whereabouts of her husband stay unknown.
Earlier on Thursday, the Colombian authorities stated the pair have been kidnapped by the guerrilla group, Nationwide Liberation Military, often known as the ELN.
Officers are at the moment in negotiations with the unconventional left-wing rebels.
Otty Patino, who’s main the peace talks, stated: “We demand that the ELN releases instantly Mr Luis Manuel Diaz and we are saying as of now that they’re totally accountable to safe his life and integrity.”
On Tuesday, the 26-year-old Liverpool winger and Colombia worldwide begged his father’s captors to release him – as his mom, uncle and different relations took half in a vigil calling for his launch.
He posted an Instagram story with particulars of the occasion and the caption: “Deliver your candle to gentle the sunshine of hope – free him now!”
Particular forces have been deployed to seek for Mr Diaz, with air and land patrols trawling a mountain range that straddles both Colombia and Venezuela – as Colombia’s police director vowed to make use of each agent to seek out him.
Luis Diaz’s mom, Cilenis Marulanda, joins a march to demand the discharge of her husband. Pic: AP
Individuals march to demand the discharge of Luis Manuel Diaz. Pic: AP
However officers stated they might not rule out the chance that he has been smuggled over the border – which means he can be out of attain of Colombian police.
A reward value $48,000 (£39,000) has been provided for info that helps police find Mr Diaz.
It’s feared the kidnapping may jeopardise ongoing peace talks between the ELN and Colombian authorities, which restarted final 12 months within the hope of ending the group’s half in a 60-year battle, that has claimed the lives of not less than 450,000 folks.
Luis Diaz taking part in for Colombia. Pic: AP
A six-month ceasefire was agreed in August as a part of the talks.
Colombia’s inside minister, Luis Fernando Velasco, stated the kidnapping was “very severe” and a “violation of the ceasefire” which places the peace course of in danger.
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Colombian police search forest for kidnapped father of Liverpool star
Mr Patino added: “We remind the ELN that kidnapping is prison, violates worldwide humanitarian regulation and that its obligation in constructing the peace course of is not only to cease kidnapping, however to eradicate it eternally.”
Safety sources say the group funds its actions by means of kidnapping, extortion and drug trafficking.
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Diaz, who signed for Liverpool final 12 months in a deal value £55m, has been hailed as probably the most proficient gamers within the Colombian nationwide squad.
He was absent from Liverpool’s residence recreation towards Nottingham Forest on Sunday, the place the Reds gained 3-0.
His teammates expressed their solidarity, with Diogo Jota holding up a shirt in assist of Diaz.