The recent release of hostages Consuelo Gonzales and Clara Rojas after six years in captivity has been an orchestrated victory for Hugo Chavez.

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According to Pinchao, Clara Rojas, Betancourt's campaign manager, had given birth in captivity to a child named Emanuel, confirming reports last year by a Colombian journalist, who said a FARC terrorist was the child's father.

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When denied transport aboard a military helicopter that was heading to the zone, she decided to head into the DMZ via ground transport, together with her presidential running-mate, Clara Rojas and a handful of political aides.

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Mr. Uribe pledged to release Betancourt, and her presidential running-mate, Clara Rojas, who gave birth to a son (Emmanuel), while in captivity ( the father is a FARC member, Pinchao said), and three American contractors from the Northrop Grumman Corp.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: FARC��s atrocities