Colombian Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos Wednesday confirmed that the Colombian government is not authorizing clandestine operations intended to rescue hostages held by the rebel Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC).

"Under no circumstance and for any reason, we cannot accept the violation of our air space and sovereignty," Santos told reporters in Bogota.

When asked about a likely clandestine mission to pick up two hostages held by the FARC -following a failed mission at the end of 2007, the minister warned that any aircraft overflying the Colombian air space would be monitored, AFP quoted.

"If any helicopter enters the Colombian territory without asking for permission, it will be dealt with like any other aircraft violating the air space, and will be forced to leave or land immediately" by the Air Force.

The official added, however, that the Colombian government is willing "to facilitate any operation meant to release the hostages promptly."

"We are ready to accompany and protect any humanitarian mission conducted either by the Red Cross or a foreign country. The liberation of the hostages is our concern."

Read the special feature about the humanitarian swap in Colombia at:
http://www.eluniversal.com/CHCol_indexEng.shtml