The new French Ambassador to Colombia has had broad diplomatic experience that has taught him when to speak and when to be discreet…

That is why he is discreet and yet open when referring to the humanitarian agreement, but he has nothing to say where internal politics in Colombia are concerned.

Although he only presented his letters of credence last week, Jean-Michel Marlaud had already began to work some months previously, not only in strengthening links between the two countries, but also in seeking a humanitarian agreement. He would have met relations of those held hostage by Farc.

Because if one thing is clear, it is that France will not only seek freedom for Ingrid Betancourt, it will also seek freedom for all the hostages in that country. The diplomat’s voice is firm when he states that it will be Colombia that achieve this goal and not France. The International Community can only assist in this action.

Humanitarian agreement

France promoted the G8 declaration which supported the decision to free a group of rebels and Rodrigo Granda. What does this support mean in practical terms for Colombia?

“As far as Colombia is concerned, it is very important to know that the International Community is observing what is happening in the country and that is supports efforts to seek a peaceful solution.

It is vital to stress the support of the international Community, to show that the problem is not considered to be a trivial matter. There is interest in what is happpening in Colombia, and the International Community is willing to assist efforts“.

What instructions have you received from President Sarkozy to find a humanitarian agreement?

“I do not wish to give details, but I can repeat that for us the humanitarian agreement is a priority”.

Some critics have stated that France seeks freedom only for Ingrid Betancourt…

“We seek not only freedom for Ingrid , but also for all the hostages.

In fact, the huge public interest started with Ingrid because she has French nationality, but when people discovered the truth, they realised that there were many more other hostages”.

Have you contacted Ingrid Betancourt’s family?

Before coming to Colombia I spoke with Fabrice Delloye, Ingrid’s ex-husband and Melanie her daughter. Since my arrival I have had contact with Juan Carlos Lecompte and Yolanda Pulecio. But not only with these because on arriving I also organised a meeting with all the families of those kidnapped”.

What did they say at the meeting?

The aim is to work towards a release. As well we hope to get proofs of life”.

Relatives say that they have more trust in France as a mediator than in Colombia’s recent releases (of prisoners)…

Mediation means attempting to help the two sides so they can communicate, but that does not mean that the International Community is going to find the solution to problems. That is a matter for the Colombians”.

Are you in favour of demilitarising the communities of Florida and Pradera, as Farc have demanded?

“Two years ago a proposal was made by Switzerland and Spain to suggest a possible location for talks. At that time the government accepted this and we are still willing to support his, but demilitarisation is not our business, its for Colombia to decide; whether it involves a demilitarised zone or another solution, it not up to us. The International Community can offer its support and give a positive answer if requested for observers. But decisions are the remit of Colombia”.

Are there any new proposals, new options?

“The only thing I can say is that there are permanent contacts between the three countries and authorities in Colombia, but I do not know if there are new proposals. What is on offer is on the table and it cannot be removed”.

You mean that you will insist on the proposal of a 300 square kilometre zone in the Valée, where security will be controlled by the International Community?

“I repeat that is on offer. The Colombian government agreed and there has not yet been an answer from Farc, and that is why the offer is still there. But it is not up to me to define how the zone ought to be demilitarised”.

It is said that Rodrigo Granda, who is called the Chancellor of Farc, could go to France, is this correct?

“In his statements, Granda said that that was not his intention”.