Contradictory versions of 63-day hostage Tomas Ramirez Vivas' release

www.vheadline.com Posted: Tuesday, March 11, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

A joint Police Detective Branch (CICPC) and National Guard (GN) anti-kidnap operation has ended with the death of 4 persons, accused of kidnapping agricultural producer Tomas Ramirez Vivas (54).

GN Lt. Colonel Luis Viloria Garcia says the incident took place in La Azulito (Merida) .. "it took intelligence gathering to find the tent where the kidnappers had hung out in the jungle area near southern Lake Maracaibo ... 4 men wearing military uniforms shot at the unit ... one detective was wounded."

However, an unconfirmed story suggests that an agreement had been struck between the family and the kidnappers to return the hostage on the condition that they did not notify the police.

The rancher had been held hostage for 63 days and his family said they did not have the money to pay the ransom.