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Sarko: Betancourt Near Death

French president renews call for FARC ro release hostage

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 1, 2008 3:20 PM CDT
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(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.

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.
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.
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.
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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Colombia's pres works to get medical help to Betancourt
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France's offers clemency to FARC members in exchange for Betancourt
New Zealand Herald

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

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