MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Betancourt back in the hit list of FARC terrorist group

Ingrid Betancourt

Former Colombian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt and 14 other hostages rescued from the Colombian group FARC last July have again been declared “military targets” by the guerrilla group, claimed Ms Betancourt in New York.

"The FARC has distributed a series of communications in which they say we were liberated as fugitives and they consider us military targets" Betancourt told W Radio from New York City. She added that was the main reason for her not returning to Colombia since her liberation. Betancourt and 14 others, including three American contractors, were liberated July 2 in a bold operation by the Colombian Army after six years in captivity. "Obviously it's evident that they can't kidnap us again but they can try a bomb attack which is very simple, something accessible for them", added Ms Betancourt who earlier this week was awarded the 2008 Prince of Asturias Prize for Concordia. These prizes are the Spanish world equivalent of Nobel prizes. Betancourt who has dual Colombian-French nationality traveled to Paris following the liberation revealed she was advised by French security services that returning to Colombia demanded "much planning to avoid attacks or any reaction from the armed groups that held her in captivity in inhuman conditions for six years. "Several scenarios have been considered: first of all how long can I stay in Colombia. If I remain longer I must spend the night in different places, which should not be a problem because of my relatives, but this exposes them to retaliation actions", admitted Ms Betancourt who is being proposed as "Woman of the Year" and possible candidate for the Peace Nobel.