Colombia hostages' video surfaces

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Video footage has emerged of a soldier and a police officer who are among a group of 23 hostages held by Colombian guerrillas in secret jungle camps.

The videos, whose date could not be verified, were received by a senator who is involved in trying to negotiate the hostages' release.

The two men, held since 2007 and 2008, urged people not to forget them and spoke of their hopes of being freed.

The rebels want to swap these hostages for jailed members of their group.

In the videos, Corporal Salin Antonio Sanmiguel and Police Major Guillermo Javier Solarzano greet their families.

"I remain strong and hoping for freedom soon, for myself and all my companions," says Cpl Sanmiguel, who was kidnapped by rebels from the Revolutionary Armed Forces (Farc) in May 2008.

"Please don't forget us," he adds. At the end he holds up a rag doll, telling his daughter Sami that he made it for her.

"From here, from this jungle, we plead to those who have the power to bring us back to do something for us, to help us," says Major Solarzano, kidnapped more than two years ago.

The men's families said they took the messages as proof that they were still alive.

The videos were received by Senator Piedad Cordoba, who said she expected more footage to be released in the coming days.

In chains

The Farc have indicated they are willing to free two of the hostages unilaterally but that the rest will only be released as part of an exchange for rebels held in government prisons.

President Alvaro Uribe has insisted that all members of the security forces be freed together.

One of the hostages the Farc have said could be released is Pablo Moncayo, who has been held since 1997. His father has staged a high-profile campaign for his son's freedom, walking across Colombia wrapped in chains.

Members of the security forces are regarded as "high-profile" hostages but ordinary Colombians are also kidnapped, usually for ransom.