Ingrid Betancourt has been held by FARC in Colombia for fours years. A week of demonstrations and support events has been organised in France. The minister for Foreign Affairs, Philippe Douste-Blazy has sent a message in Spanish to the hostages.

His message will be broadcast at dawn in Spanish on Colombia Radio, radio Caracol. The minister has asked FARC to " free all the hostages including Ingrid Betanvourt". " I want FARC who have always declared that they favour a humanitarian agreement to understand that the proposal (editor's note; the one proposed by three European countries) is not a trap," he stated is Spanish. "Ingrid, we are with you and are doing everything so that you and the other hostages can regain your freedom", Douste-Blazt added.

"We want her to return"

Dominique de Villepin also spoke about the long detention of Ingrid Betancourt, stating, "four years is a real tragedy". He added, "I hope that we will soon have new proofs that Ingrid is alive.

I think of her everyday, she is in a horrible situation and along with her family we wish that she will return as quickly as possible".

In Caen, Astrid Betancourt, Ingrid's sister stressed the importance of the support actions. "These actions guarantee and will always guarantee Ingrid's survival and that of Clara and the other hostages, she declared. She also spoke about the importance of the Memorial lecture held annually in Caen in its efforts to support the French-Colombian citizen.

Concert in Rouen

Astrid Betancourt also spoke of the support of Renaud, the singer "who has re-invigorated the support campaign with his generosity and intelligence". Renaud took part on Thursday evening in Rouen in a support concert accompanied by other singers, such as Stéphane Eicher, Vincernt Delerme, Carla Bruni, Paul Personne, Hughes Aufrey and even Hubert-Felix Thiéfaine.

On Friday evening, the Variety Club of France and Renaud came together in support of freedom for Ingrid and the other hostages held by FARC in Colombia by organising an indoor football match in Paris with the selector Raymond Domenach.

In Belgium: "I Libertad!", several support concerts.

Several support concerts for Ingrid Betancourt are to be held in various parts of Belgium under the theme Libertad! These recall the sad anniversary of the kidnapping of Ingrid Betancourt on 23 February 2002 by FARC in Colombia. In Wallonie, the Temps Choisi centre in Gilly (Charleroi) will see local artists among them William Dunker, and Priba 2000 for an evening of Rock and Blues that will be lively. Same day in Brussels, The Poche Theatre will resound to the voices of Karin Clercq, Stéphanie Blanchoud and Manou Gallo.

The Cultural Cantre in Auderghem will organise on 25 February, a variety concert with Machiavel, Zita Swoon, Alec Mansion, Marie Warnant and the Taloches Brothers. Other events are also taking place in other venues. See local press for details.

In Switzerland

Regional Councillor, Micheline Calmy-Rey does not expect a quick resolution to the situation of Ingrid Betancourt. She stated this in an interview with the daily French newspaper Nouvel Observateur" referring to the proposed exchange of hostages with FARC rebels held by the government. She hopes that FARC will soon meet representatives of the government in Colombia.

" She spoke of the 'fragility' of the situation given the " forthcoming elections" The presidential elections are due in May and the president Alvaro Uribe, a sworn enemy of FARC, is a candidate who hopes to be re- elected.

" We must be tenacious and careful," she added.

In Colombia: a huge concert in Bolivar Square, Bogotá

A call for freedom for Ingrid Betancourt and other hostages was heard on Thursday in Colombia on the day that commemorates the fourth anniversary of the kidnapping of the former Presidential candidate and her running mate, Clara Rojas.

" I am looking for a miracle so that they will free my daughter and Clarita" Yolanda Pulecio exclaimed Thursday on radio Caracol. A concert had been organised in Bolivar Square in central Bogotá with the aim that thousands would raise their voices to demand freedom for those held hostage, explained Fernando Rodriguez, spokesperson for the Mayor.

Yolanda Pulecio said, " as FARC has suggested to us, we are doing everything we can for a humanitarian exchange, but now it is necessary that FARC be consistent".

Ingrid's husband Luan Carlos Lecompte told AFP that he has not much hope that his wife will be f reed. "It is as if they kidnapped her yesterday", he said.