[NYTr] Colomb-FARC: Chavez for Humanitarian Captive Exchange

[All the News That Doesn't Fit]

Prensa Latina, Havana
http://www.plenglish.com

Colombia-FARC: Chavez for Humanitarian Captive Exchange

Caracas, Oct 3 (Prensa Latina) Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is
preparing a meeting with a representative of the Revolutionary Armed
Forces of Colombia (FARC) for a humanitarian exchange.

Chavez, who serves a mediator at the request of Colombian authorities
with the approval of the guerrilla, said yesterday he is likely to
travel to the border zone between the two countries for the meeting,
with date still to be defined.

In statements for "Venezolana de Television," the president affirmed
the summit is important to find an alternative to make a humanitarian
exchange, and a later peace agreement for the Colombian conflict.

Chavez is focused on seeking an understanding that allows for the
liberation of guerrilla prisoners and people arrested by FARC, among
them former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt.

Chavez' efforts include talks with Colombian Senator Piedad Cordoba,
who travelled to Washington to meet with "Sonia" and "Simon Trinidad",
FARC members extradited to the US.

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