Stockholm - A Swedish national was in "good spirits" following his release by leftist rebels in Colombia after almost two years in captivity, a Swedish diplomat said Wednesday.

Roland Larsson, 69, was abducted in May 2007 by members of the leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) from his home in the province of Cordoba some 350 kilometres north of the capital, Bogota.

Sweden's ambassador to Colombia, Lena Nordstrom, told Swedish television news that Larsson was "in relatively good health" and "good spirits" at a hospital in the town of Monteria.

Larsson was reported to have had a stroke while held by the rebels.

His son Tommy Larsson expressed "extreme relief" over his father's release after a brief telephone conversation with him.

Swedish radio news reported that the Colombian security service DAS was contacted Tuesday by anonymous sources and a rendezvous was organized in northern Colombia for the handover of Larsson.

The report said no ransom had been paid for Larsson's release. Some earlier reports alleged FARC had wanted 5 million dollars. (dpa)