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Venezuela's Chavez Offers to Mediate Possible Peace, Hostage Talks with Colombian Rebels
The Associated Press
July 10, 2008

CARACAS, Venezuela: Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is offering to help mediate possible peace talks between Colombia and that nation's largest rebel group.

Chavez says he spoke with recently released hostage Ingrid Betancourt and she urged him to join her in seeking the freedom of all captives held by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.

He said in a televised speech Wednesday that "we are willing to help" with any negotiations on hostage releases and peace efforts.

The Venezuelan president played a key role in negotiations that prompted the FARC to release six hostages this year. But Colombian President Alvaro Uribe abruptly ended his involvement in November after accusing him of overstepping his mandate.

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