Today's Date:

Statement made by M. Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs

It is 2,000 days ago today since our compatriot, Mme Ingrid Betancourt, was abducted by the FARC [Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia] guerrillas, along with her campaign manager, Mrs Clara Rojas.

We have not forgotten them.

On this sad anniversary, I want to express to them, and all the hostages in Colombia, our affection and solidarity. But I also wish to highlight our unwavering determination and resolute commitment to securing their release.

President Sarkozy and France are fully committed to that goal.

Our Spanish and Swiss partners, who are working with us in the search for a humanitarian solution, fully share our determination. The action of our three countries is supported by the European Union presidency and international community. It was highlighted in particular in the G8 communiqué, which called on the FARC to respond positively to the Colombian President's initiatives.

More than ever, we join in this appeal.

We also continually reiterate the demand made on many occasions to the FARC to provide proof that Mme Ingrid Betancourt is alive, which it has not done for exactly four years.

Prolonging the hostages' confinement risks giving rise to new tragedies, such as the massacre of 11 general council members at the end of June, which was unanimously condemned. Our country again recalls the urgent need to find a way out of a deadlock which, for some of those being held, has gone on nearly ten years. We shall tirelessly pursue our efforts – until all the hostages are released./.