The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, Farc, snatched her as she was on the campaign trail in February 2002.

They have refused to release her or another 60 political hostages until imprisoned rebels are freed.

The prospects of Ms Betancourt's imminent release from rebel hands seem as remote as ever.

The charismatic politician, who has French as well as Colombian citizenship, is one of the rebel group's trump cards.

They are trying to pressure the government into a prisoner exchange: the 60-odd politicians, security force officers and three Americans they hold, for hundreds of guerrillas in prison.

There have been crude negotiations between the government and the Farc over the fate of the political hostages.

But the government said that rebels convicted of murder and kidnapping cannot be exchanged for innocent civilians.

For the Farc, time is no object.

Some of their hostages were taken more than five years ago.

Betancourt, with her high profile and international status, is the hostage the rebels will be most keen to keep hold of.