Interview by the Nouvel Observateur with Astrid Betancourt, sister of Ingrid.

Do you think that statements made by the Colombian Government are a sign of hope that hostages will be released?

We remain cautious as to the meaning of these statements. They seem rather strange. Ten days ago the government had already put forward a proposal that the High Commissioner for Peace would be sent to a location chosen by FARC who had suggested two towns in the demilitarised zones. So the conditions with regard to the location of talks had already been met. FARC had also asked for the liberation of several of their members and the return of Simon Trinidad, currently extradited in the United States.

We reserve our judgement and hope that the intentions of the government are indeed those that they have expressed and not just a ploy.

Would it not be a backward step for FARC to agree to free hostages?

Absolutely not. Putting a "humanitarian agreement" in place would be recognition by the government that we are at war. In 2002, FARC already agreed to free 300 Colombian soldiers for 15 rebels.

We are hoping that FARC will also free, within the terms of a similar agreement, the political hostages who number 23, among them, my sister and her assistant. Their freedom would be a great relief. Some families have not seen their relative for seven years.

Is there proof that the Colombian government, often criticised for its lack of action, genuinely wants to find a solution?

We hope that the official stance has changed. My mother had a meeting with Alvaro Uribe who stated that he was ready to sign a "humanitarian agreement". The reasons for this change are many.

Firstly France has not ceased to bring pressure and since January last increased its efforts. The families of the hostages have continued their campaign. Recently we sent a letter to the Attorney General of the Republic asking him to supervise, on behalf of the President, matters regarding human rights and that he finally take action advantageous to the hostages.

As well, the Colombian government is seeking to implement a law giving an amnesty to former paramilitaries and re-opening talks with FARC would signal that they are dealing in the same way with groups on both sides. In September, the electoral campaign will begin and a recent survey shows that 70% of Colombians are in favour of a "humanitarian agreement". The implementation of such an accord before the elections in May 2006 would be a trump card for Alvaro Uribe. During the election campaign we will be calling on the electorate to elect a president who can implement this agreement. It is still possible to imagine that a humanitarian agreement may pave the way to talks about peace.