Families of US ex-hostages excited, praise Colombian rescue

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2008

WASHINGTON, (AFP) — Relatives of the three US former hostages rescued from leftist Colombian guerrillas on Wednesday have expressed their excitement about seeing their loved ones again after so many years.

They also thanked the Colombian military who rescued the men from Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrillas along with French-Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt and 11 other hostages.

"There are many days when we often wondered if this (ordeal) was ever going to end. But the day is here, and we are grateful," Lauren Stansell, whose father Keith was among 15 rescued hostages, told CNN.

"And (we) just feel so blessed and so excited to see our dad and be reunited. My brother and I have just been praying for this day for years now. And we...