Sarkozy announces new drive for release of hostage Betancourt

Apr 2, 2008, 10:45 GMT

Paris/Bogota - French President Nicolas Sarkozy plans to send 'humanitarian' envoys to South America by Thursday to get access to hostage Ingrid Betancourt via her Colombian kidnappers.

Sarkozy informed his Colombian counterpart about the two envoys' mission, the president's office said.

Colombian President Alvaro Uribe was urged to cease all military action in order to guarantee their security and the success of their mission.

Betancourt, a French-Colombian citizen, has been held hostage by the left wing Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FACRC) since early 2002. She urgently needs a blood transfusion due to several illnesses.

Uribe said he would stop military action after the delegation's arrival in the south-eastern part of the country, where Betancourt is believed to be held.

In a TV speech broadcast in Colombia, Sarkozy called for Betancourt's release. He stressed that risking her death would be a 'grave political mistake,' on top of the human tragedy.

The 46-year-old is reported to be in a grave condition after going on a hunger strike one month ago.

Sarkozy called on FARC leader Manuel Marulanda, 73, to use his influence to save Betancourt, a former presidential candidate. The founder of the left-wing rebel organization was not seen in public since 2001, French media said.

The death of his deputy in a military raid was made responsible the failure of earlier attempts to broker Betancourt's release.