Betancourt embraces Paris

PARIS, France (CNN) - Freed hostage Ingrid Betancourt expressed gratitude Friday to the thousands of Parisians who had assembled in front of the Town Hall to welcome her.

"I just want to tell you that I love you, I love you all so much," the 46-year-old Colombian politician with dual French citizenship said to applause. "I'm so proud of being French."

Betancourt, who said she had not slept since she was freed Wednesday, said she plans to return to live in Colombia, because "that is my home country, that is where my destiny is." But she added that she hopes to die and be buried in Paris, although "no time soon."