Sarkozy urges Colombian rebels to free French hostage

PARIS, April 1 (Xinhua) -- French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Tuesday sent a message to leaders of Colombia's largest rebel group, urging them to release their hostage Ingrid Betancourt.

"The latest information reaching us regarding Ingrid Betancourt is profoundly worrying. It confirms that Ingrid's state of health has deteriorated so seriously that her life is threatened," Sarkozy said.

"Ingrid is in danger of imminent death. She no longer has the strength to resist an interminable captivity which is turning into tragedy," he added.

Sarkozy appealed to Manuel Marulanda, leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) to release Betancourt, a former Colombian presidential candidate who has both French and Colombian nationalities.

"You, who lead the FARC, you have a rendezvous with history. Don't miss it," the French president said, adding "France is, and will be prepared for a humanitarian agreement."

Sarkozy expressed to his Colombian counterpart Alvaro Uribe in a telephone conversation Tuesday his "extreme worry" about Betancourt's state of health and his intention to send a humanitarian mission to contact the rebel group, his office said.

Sarkzoy also urged the Colombian government to "suspend all forms of military operations" to ensure the security and success of the mission.

Betancourt was kidnapped in February 2002 while campaigning for the Colombian presidency. French media reported that she had begun a hunger strike more than a month ago.