Colombia - France - Ingrid Betancourt
Betancourt refusing food, medical aid
Tuesday 01 April 2008
Ingrid Betancourt, French-Colombian captive of the rebel FARC group for the last five years, is said to be gravely ill. She is refusing food or medicine offered by the rebels, local radio said Monday, citing a military intelligence report.
Special Report Ingrid Betancourt rescuedTuesday 01 April 2008
By AFPFrench-Colombian hostage Ingrid Betancourt, who is believed to be gravely ill, is refusing food or medicine offered by the rebels holding her captive, local radio said Monday, citing a military intelligence report.
The report cited by Caracol Radio also said the former green party presidential candidate, who was kidnapped in 2002, urgently needs a blood transfusion.
Betancourt, 46, "is alive but refuses to consume the drugs and food being offered" by the Marxist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the report said.
Concern about her health grew in recent days after reports that the FARC took her to medical facilities in Guaviare villages in late February, prompting France to put a plane and a medical on standby in case she is freed.
The most prominent of hundreds of hostages held by the FARC is said to be suffering from hepatitis B and leishmania, a skin disease caused by insect bites. She appeared gaunt and frail in a video released in November.
Betancourt is among 39 high-profile hostages, including three US defense contractors, whom the FARC want to swap for 500 rebels held in prison. But the government and guerrillas have yet to agree on conditions for an exchange.
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