Betancourt rescuer wore Red Cross


Misuse of the symbol undermines Red Cross neutrality


Colombia's president says a Red Cross symbol was worn by a member of the military rescue mission that freed 15 hostages from left-wing Farc rebels.
Alvaro Uribe said he had apologised to the organisation for the mistake made against orders by a nervous soldier.
Misuse of the Red Cross emblem is considered a violation of the Geneva Conventions and international law.
Rescuers tricked rebels into releasing Ingrid Betancourt and 14 other hostages by posing as international aid workers.
President Uribe's acknowledgement followed reports that the Red Cross emblem had being displayed on clothing worn by Colombian intelligence officers during the rescue on 2 July.
Mr Uribe said that just one member of the team had worn the emblem "contradicting official orders" because he was nervous about the operation.
Risk to aid workers
The president said the name of the official would not be disclosed "because we do not want to affect his career".
"We regret that this occurred" said Mr Uribe.
President Uribe left congratulated his military leaders after the rescue


Falsely portraying military personnel as Red Cross workers is against the Geneva Conventions because it could put humanitarian workers at risk when carrying out missions in war zones.
It also undermines the neutrality of the Red Cross. Yves Heller a Red Cross spokesman based in Bogota said: "Parties to the conflict must respect the Red Cross emblem at all times and under all circumstances." "We will continue working in the field in Colombia."