French mission stands by to treat Colombia hostage Betancourt

Bogota: A French medical team is flying into Columbia's jungles to treat rebel hostage and politician Ingrid Betancourt, who is believed to be seriously ill.

Rebels have held Betancourt hostage for six years. If the mission is successful, it would be the first contact with the French-Colombian politician in years.

In a statement, rebel leader Rodrigo Granda said that Betancourt would not be freed immediately and that the killing of a top officer in March complicated hostage talks.

President Alvaro Uribe says he will suspend military operations in the area once the team has the location where it will treat Betancourt.

"The French humanitarian mission has given us some information about where they think Ingrid Betancourt is being held," Uribe told the France 3 television channel. "We are ready to suspend military operations in the area in question."