Ex-hostage Betancourt receives Legion of Honour award

PARIS – Former hostage Ingrid Betancourt has been presented with France’s highest award, the Legion of Honour.

President Nicolas Sarkozy says the award is a way of saying “we love you” and acknowledging Betancourt as a symbol of hope. The 46-year-old Betancourt, who holds dual Colombian-French nationality, spent six years in the hands of Colombian rebel group FARC.Colombian agents freed her and 14 other hostages in a daring operation July 2.Sarkozy presented the award Monday at France’s traditional Bastille Day garden party, saying that other hostages around the world must still be freed.Betancourt thanked Sarkozy and told him she was counting on him to help free the scores of other hostages held by the FARC.Nampa-APThe 46-year-old Betancourt, who holds dual Colombian-French nationality, spent six years in the hands of Colombian rebel group FARC.Colombian agents freed her and 14 other hostages in a daring operation July 2.Sarkozy presented the award Monday at France’s traditional Bastille Day garden party, saying that other hostages around the world must still be freed.Betancourt thanked Sarkozy and told him she was counting on him to help free the scores of other hostages held by the FARC.Nampa-AP