Colombia: Hostage says Betancourt still alive

A soldier held hostage by Colombian rebels has confirmed that Ingrid Betancourt, a former presidential candidate, kidnapped over five years ago, is sill alive.

William Dominguez said he had seen Betancourt during a video message recorded in October and delivered to Al Jazeera's correspondent in the country on Tuesday. > Dominguez said he had also seen Betancourt's election running mate, Clara Roja, who was kidnapped in February 2002 by the rebel Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc). >

Dominguez indicated he saw the two politicians as well Roja's son - Emmanuel, who was born three years ago to a rebel father - after being taken to a new guerrilla camp.

"I ended up in a camp where there are more prisoners of war and there are even a few politicians held such as doctor Ingrid, Mrs Clara and a child who follows them all the time," the soldier said.

The last proof of life from 45-year-old Betancourt was in August 2003, when she was seen on a video released by Farc.

Sign of life

Dominguez said in the video that the hostages are moved to different camps on an almost daily basis due to bombing attacks by the Colombian military.

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