Four Colombian hostages held in jungle camps by the rebel group FARC have been freed and flown to the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, to be reunited with their families.
The four, all former politicians, have been held for more than six years.
They were freed after mediation efforts by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.
More than 40 others are still in captivity, including Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt, who also holds French nationality.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy today urged FARC to free Ms Betancourt, saying he would personally collect her if required.
The FARC wants hundreds of its members released from prison in exchange for the captives it has released.
The released hostages said Ms Betancourt was 'very sick' and has been mistreated by her captors.
