France could take Farc rebels`

France `could take Farc rebels`
http://www.angolapress-angop.ao/noticia-e.asp?ID=606243

Bogota, 03/30 - Colombian President Alvaro Uribe has said France would be willing to take Farc rebels as part of a deal to free hostages held by the guerrillas.

The plan aims to secure the release of scores of hostages held in Farc jungle camps, including former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt.

The offer comes amid reports that Ms Betancourt, a French-Colombian citizen, is gravely ill.

She is said to have hepatitis B and a tropical skin disease.

On Saturday, Mr Betancourt`s former husband said he feared she might no longer be alive.

"I am afraid that Ingrid Betancourt is either dying or already dead," Fabrice Delloye told the AFP news agency.

The president was visiting San Jose de Guaviare, the capital of the jungle province in the east of the country where the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or Farc, have released six hostages during this year and where Ms Betancourt is believed to be held.

He announced the establishment of a $100 million fund for any information leading to the whereabouts of the hostages.

The Farc has been involved in conflict in Colombia for decades.

Mr Uribe urged Farc fighters to accept his offer of cash rewards and reduced jail terms for abandoning rebel ranks and releasing kidnap victims.

"People have asked me, can they [Farc rebels] also go overseas? Yes, they can go overseas and we will help in that matter," he said.

"We have spoken to the French government, which has told us it would be willing to take them in over there," the president added.

Earlier this week, Colombia also offered to release jailed Farc rebels if they first hand over Ms Betancourt and other hostages.

The Farc, which has been fighting the Colombian state for five decades, is yet to respond to the proposal.

By sloopskipper on Mar 30, 2008, 15:34 in Politics & the war.