Brussels, 03/07/2008 (Agence Europe) - The EU applauds the release, on Monday evening, of the Franco-Colombian national, Ingrid Betancourt, and of 14 other hostages (three Americans and eleven Colombians) held for several years by the revolutionary armed forces of Colombia (FARC). “The Presidency of the Council of the European Union is overjoyed to learn of the release of the 15 hostages held by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia, of which the French-Columbian Ingrid Betancourt, three American and eleven Columbian hostages. This is the end of a long and terrible trial for them”, the French EU Presidency states in a press release published during the evening of 2 July. The Presidency congratulates the Columbian authorities “and all those who have worked towards this long-awaited outcome”. The Presidency also remembers all those who are still held as hostages and reaffirms its “determination to stay active until they are released”. Commission President José Manuel Barroso also reacted with “relief and joy” to the release of the hostages, thanking all those who have contributed to their release. In particular”, he said, “I want to pass on our best wishes to Mr Sarkozy, President of France. We share France's joy at this release. I would like to congratulate him for his commitment that has made this moment possible. And I also congratulate the president of Columbia, Mr Uribe, thanking him for his action and that of Columbia”. The European Parliament expressed the same delight at the release, welcomed by all political groups. (H.B./transl.jl)