Freedom call for Colombia hostage

Ms Betancourt was abducted during her campaign for the presidency

Hundreds of people have held a demonstration in the Colombian capital Bogota to call for the release of kidnapped politician Ingrid Betancourt.

Supporters held pictures of Ms Betancourt and chanted "Free Ingrid".

The former presidential candidate was kidnapped by left-wing rebel group Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) two years ago.

Farc says it would exchange Ms Betancourt, who has dual Colombian-French nationality, for jailed rebels.

Rome Mayor Walter Veltroni was among several European politicians at the ceremony in Bogota.

"I hope that our wish can soon come true... Ingrid Betancourt, along with all of the people who today are held prisoner, may finally be free," Mr Veltroni told the crowd.

Protesters painted a large white star on one of Bogota's main avenues, with Ms Betancourt's name on it.

Swap ruled out

Supporters of Ms Betancourt, who was snatched at a roadblock on 23 February 2002, have criticised the government of President Alvaro Uribe for not securing her release.

Two videos have been released of her in captivity

The president has ruled out a prisoner exchange with the rebels.

The Marxist rebels are holding about a dozen politicians and three US military contractors.

Since Ms Betancourt's abduction, the rebels have released two video-taped speeches from the politician - one in May 2002 and one last August.

Last July, the French government staged a failed secret mission to secure Ms Betancourt's release.