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Sarkozy urges Betancourt be freed France to send Betancourt mission
(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 said he plans to send a humanitarian mission to Colombia to treat a high-profile hostage held by Farc rebels.
Nicolas Sarkozy made a direct appeal to the leader of the Farc rebel group in a televised address. Nicolas Sarkozy also appealed directly to the left-wing group's leader, urging the release of Ingrid Betancourt.
He said Ms Betancourt, held for six years and suffering from hepatitis B, was "in danger of imminent death". He said Miss Betancourt, held in the Colombian jungle for six years, was "in danger of imminent death".
Colombia's president said he had agreed to a humanitarian mission by French officials to meet Farc hostages. Colombia's president has said he will suspend military operations in any area where the mission plans to travel.
Following a telephone call with the French president, Alvaro Uribe said the mission would try "to protect the deteriorating health of the hostages". Mr Uribe said the French mission, which would be accompanied by the International Committee of the Red Cross, had his full backing.
The Colombian military would temporarily suspend military operations in the area during the meeting, Mr Uribe said. Ready and waiting
Frail health "We have expressed our complete agreement to allow this international medical mission to make contact with the hostages and treat them," he said.
Addressing Farc rebel leader Manuel Marulanda by name, France's president said Ms Betancourt was believed to be seriously ill. The French president's office said over the weekend that a medically equipped plane is on stand-by to evacuate Ms Betancourt if she is released.
The BBC's Jeremy McDermott reports from Colombia that there is as yet no indication from Farc that they are ready to give up their most high-profile hostage.
He says that the recent killing of the group's chief negotiator was described by the rebels as a "grave blow".
In his televised appeal, Mr Sarkozy addressed Farc rebel leader Manuel Marulanda by name, saying 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."Only a decision from you to save this woman from death is needed... Take this decision. Free Ingrid Betancourt," he said in the broadcast.
Frail health
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.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 BetancourtINGRID 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.
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.