Ex-congressman freed from Colombian rebels after 8 years of captivity

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
A former congressman was freed in a military operation Sunday after eight years of captivity in the hands of leftist Colombian rebels, authorities and a family member said. Oscar Tulio Lizcano, 62, was rescued early Sunday in a rural part of Choco province in western Colombia, said Henry Murillo, governing secretary of Caldas province, where the ex-lawmaker was originally abducted. A press conference with Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos to give the details of rescue was scheduled for later Sunday in the city of Cali. Lizcano was transported to Cali for a medical examination since his health is delicate, Cesar Velasquez, a spokesman for the president's office, said in a telephone interview.