Geneva, AFP

Leaders of the guerrillas of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) received millions of dollars to liberate the Franco-Colombian Ingrid Betancourt and 14 other hostages, said on Friday, Radio Switzerland Romande (RSR).

"All 15 hostages were in fact purchased at the price strong, after which the entire operation was staging", public radio said in its informative midday.

. Some 20 million dollars were handed over to the kidnappers, the RSR said, quoting a "source close to events, reliable and proven repeatedly in recent years." The station added that the U.S. was the "origin of the transaction."

In recent years, Switzerland has been entrusted with Spain and France by Colombian President Alvaro Uribe to pursue a mission of mediation with the FARC.

In addition to Betancourt, the Colombian army freed on Wednesday, three U.S. agents and 11 Colombian soldiers and policemen.

OT. But interesting: not quite what we have been hearing