BOGOTA, April 5 (Xinhuanet) -- The United Nations on Friday called
on Colombia's guerrillas and right-wing paramilitary groups to put
an end to the kidnapping of officials and civilians.
   In a communique, the U.N. Human Rights High Commissioner's
Office expressed concerns over the fate of those political leaders
being held as hostages in this South American country.
   It was necessary that all the armed groups in the country "
strictly respect the lives of people and human rights", said the U.
N. human rights agency. It asked at the same time that the
Colombian government strengthen citizens protection.
   The U.N. condemned the abduction of mayors and town councilors
by armed groups this week in the Colombian eastern province of
Arauca.
   The kidnapping of Arauca officials was a "serious violation" of
international humanitarian law, said the U.N. special body.
   Authorities blame the guerrillas for the kidnapping of mayors
Jose Trinidad Sierra and Ernesto Espitio, as well as three town
councilors from Saravena, Gravo Norte and Tame, in Arauca. Enditem