Colombian Rebel Deserter Starts New Life In France

He received $400,000 from the Colombian government, which publicized the case as an example of the benefits awaiting rebels who desert.

A former Colombian rebel who surrendered after guiding a hostage to freedom embarked for Paris on Tuesday as part of a new reward program, accompanied by Ingrid Betancourt who herself spent six years in captivity.

The man, known as Isaza, plans to live in France. He received over $400,000 from the Colombian government, which publicized the case as an example of the benefits awaiting rebels who desert and turn over captives.

Isaza lost an eye in combat during 12 years as a rebel. He is the first guerrilla to win passage to another country and will be joined in France by his girlfriend, another former guerrilla.

The French government says it will welcome Isaza, 28, who in October guided the escape of 63-year-old lawmaker Oscar Tulio Lizcano who had been held eight years in jungle camps.

Lizcano, who was forbidden to talk to anyone in captivity, said he often lined up sticks as if they were students and taught them imaginary English lessons to keep his sanity.

He and his former jailer Isaza, who said he was touched by the older man's plight, trudged through insect-infested jungle for days before they were found by an army patrol.

The escape was the latest in a string of setbacks for FARC rebels this year, including the loss of several prominent commanders and the military rescue of French-Colombian politician Betancourt and 14 other captives in July.

Betancourt, who was snatched by rebels during her 2002 presidential campaign, has been touring South America for the past month to promote hostage talks with FARC guerrillas fighting a 44-year-old insurgency.

"The guerrillas who still hold hostages should follow Isaza's example," Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos said at a news conference.

"We are recognizing the courage of someone who did not agree with the kidnapping of Mr. Lizcano and facilitated his escape," Santos said. "This is an important message to send to the guerrillas and to the world."