FRANK LÓPEZ BALLESTEROS
EL UNIVERSAL

Colombian authorities made a formal application to Venezuela for the extradition of Gabriel Culma Ortiz, alias "Guillermo," a member of the Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC) detained by the Venezuelan National Guard last July 25th in southern Amazonas state, reported Colombian government sources.

An answer from Caracas was awaited, as the guerrilla member violated migration rules and investigations are being conducted to ascertain whether he committed additional crimes.

Venezuelan authorities have provided not information about the 38-year-old rebel. However, it was reported that he is being held in the headquarters of Directorate for Intelligence, Security, and Prevention (Disip).

Guillermo was the kingpin responsible for border affairs and finance in the FARC first squad, the same group that held the 15 hostages who were rescued last July 2nd during a raid of the Colombian army. The hostages included Colombian ex presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt and three US citizens.

Intelligence sources added that the rebel was the partner of Nancy Condo Rubio, alias "Doris Adriana," the regional head of finance and provisioning of the FARC first front who was captured on February 2nd.

In addition to his participation in four terrorist attacks on Colombian military bases in the 1990's, Guillermo was in touch with Mono Jojoy, a member of the FARC Secretariat and with César and Enrique Gafas, the guards of the 15 hostages.

Translated by Conchita Delgado