Betancourt's children appeal for Colombian leader's help in securing mother's release

The children of Ingrid Betancourt appealed Saturday to the president of Colombia to make a "humanitarian exchange" that would free their mother, who has been held hostage for five years by Colombian rebels.

During a vigil Saturday outside Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, Betancourt's son Lorenzo asked Colombian President Alvaro Uribe to consider offering the release of imprisoned leftist guerrillas in exchange for his mother's freedom.

He and his sister, Melanie, invited passers-by to light candles of hope for Betancourt, who has French and Colombian nationality. Hundreds of candles twinkled as darkness fell Saturday night.

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