Shakira Sings for Hostages’ Freedom
Pop star Shakira is to lead nationwide demonstrations in her native Colombia on Sunday demanding the liberation of hundreds of hostages held by rebels in the jungle for years.
Around 80 solidarity rallies are also planned in other cities around Latin America and the rest of the world, including one in Paris that will include recently freed Franco-Colombian hostage Ingrid Betancourt.
“On July 20, I want to shout out, with you, for the independence and liberty of those who are still hostage of the FARC in Colombia,” Betancourt told the French parliament early this month.
The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) continues to detain an estimated 700 hostages. Up to 2,000 more are believed to be held by the National Liberation Army, another leftist rebel group.
Sunday’s rallies are calling for their immediate release, and those of prisoners held by other rebel groups.
Around five million people are expected to take part in demonstrations in some 1,000 towns and cities across Colombia.
The marches coincide with independence day celebrations in the southern town of Leticia, which are to be attended by President Alvaro Uribe and his guests, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil and Alan Garcia of Peru.






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The 2008 ALMA Awards will be taped on 17 August 2008 at the Pasadena Civic Center in Pasadena, CA. They will air on ABC 12 September 2008.
Shakira will be presented with special honors.
Volvo Ocean Race : 4 September 2008


ALAS is a movement dedicated to the children in Latin America. Founded by Latin America's most influential artists, intellectuals and business leaders, this