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Friday, 11 January 2008, 10:25 GMT

In pictures: Farc hostages freed

Clara Rojas gets off the private jet at Maiquetia airport near Caracas

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Two women held hostage in Colombia for more than five years by Farc rebels have been reunited with their families after arriving at an airport near the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

Clara Rojas greets her mother Clara de Rojas (left)

Clara Rojas greets her mother Clara de Rojas (left)

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Clara Rojas's mother said their release from captivity was the "biggest miracle God could have ever given me".

Consuelo Gonzalez with her granddaughter Maria Juliana and daughter Patricia (centre)

Consuelo Gonzalez with her granddaughter Maria Juliana and daughter Patricia (centre)

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Consuelo Gonzalez was reunited with her daughter Patricia (centre) and a granddaughter she had never met.

Consuelo Gonzalez and Clara Rojas stand next to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez (centre)

Consuelo Gonzalez and Clara Rojas stand next to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez (centre)

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Both women expressed their thanks to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez for his help in brokering the deal.

Former Venezuelan Interior Minister Ramon Rodriguez Chacin puts his arms around Consuelo Gonzalez and Clara Rojas

Former Venezuelan Interior Minister Ramon Rodriguez Chacin puts his arms around Consuelo Gonzalez and Clara Rojas

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Earlier they were flown out of the Colombian jungle by helicopter, in an operation overseen by the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Venezuelan government.

Clara Rojas (c) is greeted by her mother (left)

Clara Rojas (c) is greeted by her mother (left)

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Ms Rojas, 44, an aide to former Colombian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, was seized in February 2002, while she and Ms Betancourt were out campaigning.

Consuelo Gonzalez is greeted by her daughter and granddaughter

Consuelo Gonzalez is greeted by her daughter and granddaughter

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Ms Gonzalez, a 57-year-old former congresswoman, was captured in September 2001 near the city of Neiva.

Bogota

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Relatives of hundreds of people still in captivity were determined they would not be forgotten, and held images of their loved ones in a demonstration in Bogota's main square.

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Related to this story:
Freed hostages land in Venezuela (10 Jan 08 | Americas )