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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
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| Sarkozy urges Betancourt be freed | Sarkozy urges Betancourt be freed |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| The French president has implored the left-wing Colombian rebel group holding Ingrid Betancourt hostage to release her, saying she is seriously ill. | The French president has implored the left-wing Colombian rebel group holding Ingrid Betancourt hostage to release her, saying she is seriously ill. |
| Nicolas Sarkozy made a direct appeal to the leader of the Farc rebel group in a televised address. | Nicolas Sarkozy made a direct appeal to the leader of the Farc rebel group in a televised address. |
| He said Ms Betancourt, held for six years and suffering from hepatitis B, was "in danger of imminent death". | He said Ms Betancourt, held for six years and suffering from hepatitis B, was "in danger of imminent death". |
| Colombia's president said he had agreed to a humanitarian mission by French officials to meet Farc hostages. | |
| Following a telephone call with the French president, Alvaro Uribe said the mission would try "to protect the deteriorating health of the hostages". | |
| The Colombian military would temporarily suspend military operations in the area during the meeting, Mr Uribe said. | |
| Frail health | |
| Addressing Farc rebel leader Manuel Marulanda by name, France's president said Ms Betancourt was believed to be seriously ill. | |
| "Only a decision from you to save this woman from death is needed... Take this decision. Free Ingrid Betancourt," he said in the broadcast. | |
| Last week France offered to take in Farc rebels released from prison in exchange for the 46-year-old woman, who has been held in the jungle since she was seized. | |
| INGRID BETANCOURT Ingrid Betancourt before her kidnap (left) and several years later (right) Born on 25 December 1961Grows up in Paris1989: Returns to Colombia1994: Elected to lower house1998: Becomes a senator2002: Kidnapped by Farc rebels Profile: Ingrid Betancourt | INGRID BETANCOURT Ingrid Betancourt before her kidnap (left) and several years later (right) Born on 25 December 1961Grows up in Paris1989: Returns to Colombia1994: Elected to lower house1998: Becomes a senator2002: Kidnapped by Farc rebels Profile: Ingrid Betancourt |
| A French plane and medical team were sent to French Guiana late last week where they remain on stand-by to evacuate Ms Betancourt if she is released. | A French plane and medical team were sent to French Guiana late last week where they remain on stand-by to evacuate Ms Betancourt if she is released. |
| Ms Betancourt, who holds both French and Colombian nationality, has been held in the jungle since 2002 when she was campaigning as a candidate for the Colombian presidency. | Ms Betancourt, who holds both French and Colombian nationality, has been held in the jungle since 2002 when she was campaigning as a candidate for the Colombian presidency. |
| As well as hepatitis B, she is said to have a tropical skin disease and was pictured looking thin and frail in a recent video. | As well as hepatitis B, she is said to have a tropical skin disease and was pictured looking thin and frail in a recent video. |
| Her case has drawn broad international attention for years and in particular in France, as she holds French nationality acquired through her marriage to a French national. | Her case has drawn broad international attention for years and in particular in France, as she holds French nationality acquired through her marriage to a French national. |
| Her former husband has said he fears she may be dying or already dead. | Her former husband has said he fears she may be dying or already dead. |