Lov3ll
11-08-2007, 07:05 AM
Chavez meets Colombia Farc rebels
Last Updated: Thursday, 8 November 2007, 07:35 GMT
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44225000/jpg/_44225593_chavezafp203b.jpg
President Chavez said talks with the rebels would continue
The Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez, has said he has held talks with a representative of the Colombian left-wing rebel group, the Farc.
The meeting involved an unnamed envoy of the group's leader, Manuel Marulanda, and was held in Venezuela.
No details were given, and Colombia said it had not been told of the talks.
Colombia has authorised Mr Chavez to talk to the group to try to secure the release of hostages in exhange for rebel prisoners.
Speaking on television, Mr Chavez said he would meet with the Farc representative again in the next few days.
"Today, I met for several hours with an envoy of Manuel Marulanda. It was the first meeting. There will be others as we look for a solution. But it is not easy," he said.
The Farc wants 500 rebel prisoners freed in exchange for 45 hostages it has held for years in jungle camps.
They include French-Colombian citizen and former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, and three US defence contractors.
Mr Chavez said Farc fighters had been ordered to give proof that the hostages are still alive.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7084347.stm
Last Updated: Thursday, 8 November 2007, 07:35 GMT
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44225000/jpg/_44225593_chavezafp203b.jpg
President Chavez said talks with the rebels would continue
The Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez, has said he has held talks with a representative of the Colombian left-wing rebel group, the Farc.
The meeting involved an unnamed envoy of the group's leader, Manuel Marulanda, and was held in Venezuela.
No details were given, and Colombia said it had not been told of the talks.
Colombia has authorised Mr Chavez to talk to the group to try to secure the release of hostages in exhange for rebel prisoners.
Speaking on television, Mr Chavez said he would meet with the Farc representative again in the next few days.
"Today, I met for several hours with an envoy of Manuel Marulanda. It was the first meeting. There will be others as we look for a solution. But it is not easy," he said.
The Farc wants 500 rebel prisoners freed in exchange for 45 hostages it has held for years in jungle camps.
They include French-Colombian citizen and former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, and three US defence contractors.
Mr Chavez said Farc fighters had been ordered to give proof that the hostages are still alive.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7084347.stm