This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/americas/6972901.stm

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Chavez on hostage freedom mission Chavez on hostage freedom mission
(about 3 hours later)
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has arrived in Colombia for talks on his new role as mediator between the government and left-wing rebels. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is holding talks in Colombia on his new role as mediator between the Colombian government and left-wing rebels.
He is meeting President Alvaro Uribe to define what role he can play in brokering a deal with Farc rebels to free hostages and government detainees. The meeting with President Alvaro Uribe will define Mr Chavez's role in brokering a deal with Farc rebels to free hostages and government detainees.
Correspondents say Mr Chavez's role poses serious challenges for him, although he is popular with the rebels. Although he is popular with the rebels Mr Chavez's involvement poses serious challenges for him, correspondents say.
The sides disagree on key issues, among them plans for a demilitarised zone. Farc and officials disagree on key issues, including a demilitarised zone.
The BBC's Americas editor, Emilio San Pedro, says the conservative Colombian president must have his reservations about bringing the left-wing and outspoken Venezuelan president into the fray.The BBC's Americas editor, Emilio San Pedro, says the conservative Colombian president must have his reservations about bringing the left-wing and outspoken Venezuelan president into the fray.
I ask God that I can contribute to this matter of a humanitarian swap Huge ChavezVenezuelan president I ask God that I can contribute to this matter of a humanitarian swap Hugo Chavez,Venezuelan president
Mr Uribe is Washington's staunchest ally in the region, while Mr Chavez is embroiled in an ongoing war of words with the US.Mr Uribe is Washington's staunchest ally in the region, while Mr Chavez is embroiled in an ongoing war of words with the US.
But Mr Uribe has proved to be a pragmatist when it comes to the Venezuelan leader, whose popularity has a way of seeping beyond Venezuela's national borders, our correspondent adds.But Mr Uribe has proved to be a pragmatist when it comes to the Venezuelan leader, whose popularity has a way of seeping beyond Venezuela's national borders, our correspondent adds.
Mr Chavez said that he was confident that he would be able to arbitrate successfully.Mr Chavez said that he was confident that he would be able to arbitrate successfully.
"I ask God that I can contribute to this matter of a humanitarian swap, to the matter of the search for peace, which is peace for all of us - peace for Venezuela, peace for Colombia, union and integration," he said."I ask God that I can contribute to this matter of a humanitarian swap, to the matter of the search for peace, which is peace for all of us - peace for Venezuela, peace for Colombia, union and integration," he said.
French connectionFrench connection
Farc (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) rebels currently hold dozens of hostages, including several high-profile figures.Farc (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) rebels currently hold dozens of hostages, including several high-profile figures.
Relatives of those held captive are reported to be optimistic about Mr Chavez's involvement.Relatives of those held captive are reported to be optimistic about Mr Chavez's involvement.
"It's the first time I see there could be a small light at the end of the tunnel," said Juan Carlos Lecompte, husband of French-Colombian Ingrid Betancourt, a former presidential candidate abducted by the Farc in 2002."It's the first time I see there could be a small light at the end of the tunnel," said Juan Carlos Lecompte, husband of French-Colombian Ingrid Betancourt, a former presidential candidate abducted by the Farc in 2002.
In June the Colombian authorities released Farc leader Rodrigo Granda - known as the group's "foreign minister" - as a prelude to freeing another 200 guerrillas from prison.In June the Colombian authorities released Farc leader Rodrigo Granda - known as the group's "foreign minister" - as a prelude to freeing another 200 guerrillas from prison.
President Uribe claimed he was influenced by President Nicolas Sarkozy of France, who was acting in the interests of Ms Betancourt.President Uribe claimed he was influenced by President Nicolas Sarkozy of France, who was acting in the interests of Ms Betancourt.
Mr Chavez and Mr Uribe are were also due to discuss trade issues and a gas pipeline between the two states during their six-hour meeting. Mr Chavez and Mr Uribe were also due to discuss trade issues and a gas pipeline between the two states during their six-hour meeting.