In pictures: Hostages in Colombia

Photos and video have emerged of 16 high-profile hostages kidnapped by Colombian rebels - the first signs since 2003 that the hostages may be alive.

French-Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt has been held for nearly six years by the leftist Farc rebels (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia).

Keith Stansell is one of three US military contractors captured by the rebels when an aircraft went down during a counter-narcotics mission.

Documents were also recovered, including a letter from Thomas Howes (pictured) to his wife, and a document which appears to be his will, dated 26 November 2006.

A note was also found from the third US contractor, Marc Gonsalves, written to the Farc's military commander, known as "Mono Jojoy", dated 23 October 2007.

Like all the other hostages, former Colombian Senator Luis Eladio Perez is pictured in an unknown jungle location.

Raimundo Malagon is a Colombian army lieutenant. Officials said the videos seized included messages to the hostages' families.

Colombian police sergeant Julio Cesar Buitrago is also among those pictured. The Farc say they will release hostages in exchange for hundreds of imprisoned rebels.

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