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July 24, 2008 11:31:36 PM CDT

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Sarko: Betancourt Near Death

Posted Apr 1, 08 3:20 PM CDT in World 

(Newser) – Nicolas Sarkozy today reiterated his call for FARC to free hostage Ingrid Betancourt, saying the Colombian-French politician is "in danger of imminent death," Reuters reports. After 6 years in the rebel guerrillas' custody, Betancourt reportedly began a hunger strike Feb. 23. "Free Ingrid Betancourt and the weakest hostages," the French president said in an appearance televised with Spanish subtitles.

"The latest information reaching us regarding Ingrid Betancourt is profoundly worrying," Sarkozy said. "You, who lead the FARC, you have a rendezvous with history. Don't miss it..” The French military has been on standby, ready to transport hostages should an agreement be reached to trade them for imprisoned guerrillas, and the president has said he'll travel to Colombia if Betancourt is freed, Voice of America reports.

Sources Reuters, VOA News

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Herve Marro, unseen, of Ingrid Betancourt's support committee, holds part of a petition of more than 600,000 signings asking for her release Tuesday April 1, 2008, at the Elysee Palace in Paris.   (AP Photo)
French President Nicolas Sarkozy gestures at the Elysee Palace in this photo taken March 21, 2008.   (AP Photo/Michel Euler, file)
Unidentified members of the European Parliament hold posters of Colombian-French politician Ingrid Betancourt, Wednesday March 12, 2008 in Strasbourg eastern France.   (AP Photo/Christian Lutz)
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Tags

France  • Nicolas Sarkozy  • Colombia  • hostage  • FARC  • Ingrid Betancourt  • Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia  • Colombian rebels  • hunger strike  • guerrilla groups


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