Nicolas Sarkozy, France's president, had made her release a personal priority, and pressed Mr Uribe to negotiate with the guerrillas.

ECONOMIST: Colombia

Nicolas Sarkozy, the French president, who has made the release of Mrs Betancourt a priority, certainly feels it best to continue to curry favour with both men.

ECONOMIST: FARC rebels free two women hostages

Israeli officials say their first priority now is securing the release of the captured soldier, either by mediation or by an Israeli military operation.

NPR: Palestinian Attack, Kidnapping Angers Israel