Sarkozy offers help in freeing Colombia hostages

December 06, 2007

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has offered to help efforts mediate a swap of Colombian rebel prisoners for some 45 hostages, including French-Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt and three American government contractors, held by the rebels. In a televised message broadcast Thursday -- Wednesday evening in Colombia -- Sarkozy adressed his comments to Manuel Marulanda, head of the FARC rebels. I "solemnly request the release of Ingrid Betancourt," he said, adding that he would remain "personally involved" in negotiations to obtain the hostages' release. Excerpts from the address.