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France reaches out to FARC

BOGOTA, July 21 (UPI) -- French authorities have contacted Colombia's leading left-wing rebel group in hopes of securing the release of a French citizen.

The French government -- with Colombia's permission -- has established a dialogue with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, hoping the rebels will free captive Ingrid Betancourt, El Tiempo reported Thursday. Betancourt has been held captive for three years.

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In addition to being a French citizen, Betancourt is also a one-time Colombian presidential hopeful.

The FARC have been battling the Colombian government for more than 40 years.

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