A bit of an update:
(Note: Includes video)
Note: The following news brief is a quote:
http://euronews.net/index.php?page=info&article=425471&lng=1
Colombia
02/06 08:26 CET
Prisoner transfer spurs hostage hopes in Columbia
Following the beginning of the release of rebel prisoners in Colombia there is renewed hope that Ingrid Betancourt and other hostages held by FARC guerrillas could soon be freed. It has been reported that, as a reciprocal gesture, a FARC representative will soon provide evidence that the French-Colombian politician is still alive.
President Alvaro Uribe recently announced plans to release hundreds of FARC prisoners in a bid to persuade the rebels to do the same with about 60 hostages, including Betancourt and three US defence contracters. Uribe was re-elected last year partly on promises to continue with a hard line against the rebels.
But France, Spain and Switzerland have been trying to broker new negotiations between the government and the militants. Betancourt was seized in 2002 while campaigning for the presidency. The FARC prisoners freed yesterday have been moved to a holding centre ahead of their eventual pending their ultimjhe.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Sat Jun 02 2007 02:56:46 GMT-0700.
Worldwide Caution
April 10, 2007