Freed Hostage Gets Hero's Welcome in France

Former hostage Ingrid Betancourt arrived in France to a hero's welcome Friday after six years being held by leftist rebels in the Colombian jungle.

Betancourt said she ''cried a lot during this time from pain and indignation,'' Today, she said, ''I cry with joy.''

President Nicolas Sarkozy and first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy greeted the French-Colombian politician with hugs, kisses and broad smiles at the Villacoublay air base southwest of Paris. The welcome was shown live on French television.

Betancourt's children and other family members also descended from the French government plane and joined their mother and the presidential couple on the tarmac.

France is to throw Betancourt, her family and supporters a party in the presidential palace.

Betancourt was campaigning for Colombia's presidency when she was kidnapped in 2002. Her captivity prompted widespread concern in France, where she grew up and where her children live. Her release Wednesday in a Colombian military operation cause for celebration around France.