The Colombian government confirmed that French- Colombian hostage, Ingrid Betancourt, held by FARC was in “ good health”, saying this information was reliable and was obtained from “diplomatic and intelligence services”. Interior Minister Carlos Holguin stated the information had been checked and was absolutely reliable.

This was announced when members of Ingrid Betancourt’s family were asking FARC to provide proof of her survival. The Interior Minister stated he had had ‘no contact with Ingrid Betancourt’s family’ and he was unaware that his colleague Juan Manuel Santos had been in contact.

Last evening Santos had stated that the hostage was “in good health” and explained that the government was intending to have her freed by force, having chosen the military option despite opposition from her family who wished talks to begin with the rebels.

However Mme Betancourt’s mother expressed her doubt and worry maintaining that this news while initially reassuring also warns of a military intervention to free the hostage.

“The government led by President Alvaro Uribe is preparing to rescue Ingrid. I don’t know where they got proof that they say they have about her state of health”, said Mme Yolanda Pulecio.

As far as she is aware, no diplomat, especially in France can state this. The reference to the secret service can possibly mean that that the “location where Ingrid is being held has been found”, she suggests. “This is worrying because they will want to free her through violent means without worrying whether she may be freed safely”, warns Mme Pulecio.

France asks for a humanitarian agreement for Ingrid Betancourt.

In a joint statement, Philippe Douste-Blazy and the International Federation of Ingrid Betancourt committees stressed their demand “on several occasions a definite proof of life of the hostages”.

They also recall their opposition to “any military rescue operation to release hostages that could damage their safety”.

“We want the freeing of our fellow citizen and that of other hostages to happen as part of a humanitarian agreement and we remain in regular contact with the Colombian authorities in this regard,” they stated.