Release of the hostages in Columbia

The Presidency of the Council of the European Union is overjoyed to learn of the release of the 15 hostages held by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia, of which the French-Columbian Ingrid Betancourt, three American and eleven Columbian hostages. This is the end of a long and terrible trial for them.
 
The Presidency’s thoughts go firstly to Ingrid Betancourt and to all those who have been freed today and had to endure this horrible ordeal.

The French Presidency wishes to extend special greetings to the family of Ingrid Betancourt who have demonstrated extraordinary courage and dignity during their painful wait of over six years.

It congratulates the Columbian Authorities and all those who have worked towards this long-awaited outcome.

The Presidency of the Council of the European Union remembers all those who are still held as hostages, as well as their families, and reaffirms its determination to stay active until they are released. 

• Updated: 23.12.2008

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