Freed Betancourt longs for France

Released hostage Ingrid Betancourt has thanked France for the country’s support during her captivity.

The former Colombian presidential candidate, who grew up in Paris, said she had dreamed of being in France.

She thanked former president Jacques Chirac and former prime minister Dominique de Villepin who she said had fought on behalf of the hostages.

She also thanked President Nicolas Sarkozy.

“Thank you my sweet France. Thank you for staying with me all these years and always believing that by fighting we could succeed in making a difference.”

“I am with you, I carry you in my blood, I am with you France,” she added.

Ms Betancourt, 46, was freed along with 14 other hostages; three Americans and 11 members of the Columbian security force.

She was kidnapped by Farc rebels in 2002 – her rescue is seen as a major blow to the group which was hoping to use the hostages as a bargaining tool to secure the release of imprisoned members.

Colombian Defence Minister Juan Manuel Santos said the hostages were freed after a covert military operation succeeded in infiltrating Farc.

Soldiers posed as rebels and persuaded one of the group’s leaders Cesar to hand over the hostages for transport to Alfonso Cano, the head of Farc.

Once on board the helicopter, the captors were overpowered and the hostages were told they were free.

Speaking at the Elysée Palace, Ms Betancourt’s son Lorenzo said it was “the best moment of my life," while his sister Melanie said it was like "emerging from a bad dream".

The siblings are flying to Colombia to be reunited with their mother.

Photo: Afp/Rodrigo Arangua