Former Colombian Development Minister Fernando Araudjo, who escaped from his kidnappers a week ago, told Colombian media on Sunday that he would work hard to help the release of other hostages.

Araujo, who was kidnapped on Dec. 4, 2000, returned to his home city of Cartagena de las Indias on Friday, after escaping captivity from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels.

Leaders of the Conservative Party were urging the government to appoint him as the new high commissioner for peace in the country.

"Don't give up hope and remember that all of the Colombians are demanding our release," Araujo told his fellow hostages on Sunday, in an interview with Colombia's Radio Caracol.

"I am adding my voice to those demanding your freedom and my efforts to those seeking your freedom as soon as possible," he added.

Colombian Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos said the government will offer Araujo a special security team and try to secure the release of other hostages.

Araujo escaped on Dec. 31 during an encounter between government forces and the guerillas. He then walked for five days without food and water until he was found by farmers who took him to soldiers in the Bolivar province.

The FARC currently have 58 hostages and last year sought to trade them for about 500 captured FARC fighters.

Source: Xinhua