Ingrid Betancourt's mother stated she is "a little more optimistic" about the possibility of an International Commission obtaining the freedom for her daughter, French -Colombian hostage held for almost 4 years by rebels in Colombia.

"Negotiations on a humanitarian basis continue in good faith and with all the goodwill towards the freeing of hostages I am little bit more hopeful", said Yolanda Pulecio on Radio Caracol.

Talks are ongoing to try to free not only Ingrid Betancourt but also the majority of hostages held by FARC, stated Yolanda Pulecio.

International Commission

20 November it was announced that Alvaro uribe had authorised Luis Carlos Rostrepo to work with an Internatioinal Commission to seek a humanitarian agreement to free FARC held hostages.

Farc demand the freeing of 500 of their members for 59 well known hostages including 3 Americans, and 55 military and political hostages including Ingrid Betancourt.

France has welcomed Uribe's decision and has declared its willingness to be involved in "negotiations" leading to a "humanitarian agreement".

President Uribe announced the setting up of an International Commission without stating who or what countries would participate.