Washington/Quebec  - UNESCO Friday expressed "immense relief" over the release of Colombian Ingrid Betancourt after six years as a hostage of leftist rebels.

UNESCO noted that Betancourt's father, Gabriel Betancourt, had been Colombia's ambassador to UNESCO from 1968 to 1974.

UNESCO director general Kochiro Matsuura said he shared "the joy and emotion of their families and all their compatriots."

"Ingrid Betancourt became a symbol of resistance and courage throughout her imprisonment. Her behaviour, the constant dignity she displayed for six long years of captivity, inspire the deepest respect," he said in a statement.

He said he hoped the rescue would be followed by the freeing of all the other hostages held by FARC rebels, a number estimated in the hundreds. (dpa)