FACTBOX: Reaction to rescue of Betancourt, hostages

(Reuters) - French-Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt, three Americans and 11 other hostages held for years in jungle captivity were rescued on Wednesday from leftist guerrillas by Colombian troops.

Following are comments from family, world leaders and others in reaction to the rescue.

MELANIE BETANCOURT, BETANCOURT'S DAUGHTER

"We are waiting for the moment when we can hold our mother in our arms.

"I would like to, above all, thank the President (Sarkozy). Because ever since the moment when he took up this matter in his own hands, everything started to get rolling and today, mum is there.

"There are still hostages left in the jungle. We must not forget them. We must continue to fight for their freedom. And we will not forget those who could not come back."

LORENZO BETANCOURT, BETANCOURT'S SON

"We have won a fight for freedom."

FRENCH PRESIDENT NICOLAS SARKOZY

"I would firstly, with (Foreign Minister) Bernard Kouchner, like to thank President (Alvaro) Uribe and the Colombian authorities and the Colombian army who led an operation crowned with success," he said

Sarkozy thanked other South American leaders and said he was thinking of all the released hostages as well as those still in captivity.

"I want to tell the (rebel group) FARC that they must stop this absurd fight," he said, adding that France was ready to welcome any members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known as the FARC, who gave up their arms.

WHITE HOUSE

"President Bush spoke by phone with President Uribe of Colombia this afternoon," said Gordon Johndroe, White House National Security Council spokesman.

"President Bush congratulated President Uribe, telling him he is a 'strong leader.' President Uribe thanked President Bush for his support and confidence in the Government of Colombia."

CHILEAN PRESIDENT MICHELLE BACHELET