As tensions continue to simmer between Ecuador and Colombia, French president Nicolas Sarkozy has meantime reconfirmed his commitment to the liberation of kidnapped former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt.
According to Bogota’s El Tiempo newspaper, Mr Sarkozy sent a message to FARC leader Manuel Marulanda – known in Colombia as ‘sureshot’ – requesting her immediate liberation. The French president referred to the reportedly frail state of Miss Betancourt and emphasized the responsibility of the rebel group for her ultimate safety:
“Don’t waste this opportunity which has presented itself, it would be a grave political error, a humanitarian tragedy, a crime. You would be responsible for the death of a woman.”
Mr Sarkozy’s Colombian counterpart, Alvaro Uribe, confirmed there would be a temporary suspension of the military effort against the rebel group, commenting, “A humanitarian medical mission is in progress for the kidnapped citizens.”
Miss Betancourt, who possesses dual French-Colombian nationality, was taken prisoner 6 years ago while campaigning near San Vicente de Saguan, Caqueta province, and is said to be suffering badly from Hepatitis B in an unknown jungle location.
For the Colombian government, the last few months have seen unprecedented progress in terms of hostage release and in the structural weakening of the FARC leadership. Mr Uribe, one of Colombia’s most popular presidents of recent years, has been credited with a growing improvement in national security and confidence although rural areas still suffer the effects of insurgency and in the cities high levels of crime make life difficult.
