Colombian Marxist rebels have released two European backpackers they kidnapped in the jungle more than two months ago, and have promised to free four Israelis and a Briton before Christmas.
German, Mr Reinhilt Weigel, and Spaniard Mr Asier Huegun, embraced as they clambered on to a Red Cross helicopter which landed in a secret jungle clearing to fly them to the northern Colombian city of Valledupar en route to the capital Bogota.
The National Liberation Army, a 5,000-strong group known by its Spanish acronym ELN, still holds four Israelis and an English tourist they seized at jungle ruins on September 12th.
Roman Catholic priest Fr Dario Echeverry, who was part of a humanitarian commission which retrieved Mr Weigel and Mr Huegun said the other five hostages were well.
Asked when they would be released, Fr Echeverry told reporters at Valledupar airport: "As soon as possible. It has to be before Christmas. I believe in the word of the ELN, and they say they will free them before Christmas."