Brasilia  - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Thursday called upon the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) to take part "in the democratic game and release all the hostages" they still hold.

Speaking a day after the rescue of former Colombian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, three US contractors and 11 police and military officers held hostage by FARC for years, the leftist Lula condemned the practice of kidnapping.

"For me, it is abominable to keep people kidnapped for an hour, let alone for six or seven years," the Brazilian president said.

He congratulated the Colombian government for the rescue operation, which he defined as "extremely important for humanity."

Lula said the successful operation, with no bloodshed, was "a victory for those who love freedom, for those who favour peace." (dpa)