Betancourt appeal aired in Columbia

Aug. 31 -- Ingrid Betancourt, the Columbian woman kidnapped by Columbia guerillistas while campaigning for election as president has made a video appeal:

The video, broadcast Saturday night, was the first sign that Betancourt might still be alive since rebels released a different tape in July 2002.

There was no way of confirming when the tape was made.

"A rescue, yes, definitely, but not just any rescue," said Betancourt, who appeared in good health in the video shown by Noticias Uno. "It's important that it be the president who directly makes this decision," referring to Colombia President Alvaro Uribe.

It was on her behalf that French Foreign Min. Dominique de Villepin made a unilateral attempt to secure her freedom last July without informing either the Brazilian, Columbian and possibly even French governments of his plans. It is still a bit of a mystery what de Villepin intended to trade for her freedom, although it is suspected that money, weapons, or both were to be used.

Hmm, the Reuters links to the French caper have disappeared, but here one from Free Republic.

Posted by: Debbye at 03:39 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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