Ecuador's Correa to meet Sarkozy to discuss FARC hostages 05/05/2008 00:00

President Rafael Correa will meet with French president to discuss cooperation to secure release of Betancourt and other hostages next week.

5 May 2008

QUITO - President Rafael Correa announced Saturday he will meet on 13 May in France with French president Nicolas Sarkozy to discuss cooperation to secure the release of Ingrid Betancourt and other hostages of Colombian FARC rebels.

"On May 13 I will be in France speaking with President Sarkozy and confirming Ecuador's stance," Correa said on his weekly radio address.

Correa reiterated the pledge he made earlier this week to French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner that he would provide his complete and unconditional support for anything that would result in freeing the hostages, including the use of Ecuadoran territory.

France has been seeking the release of French-Colombian politician Betancourt from the leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), who hold dozens and perhaps hundreds of people hostage.

A French medical mission in April failed to bring back Betancourt, 46, who after six years held captive by FARC is reportedly in poor health.

FARC wants to swap Betancourt and about 40 other high-profile hostages for 500 of its own fighters and followers held by the government.

[AFP / Expatica]