Caracas frees Colombian plotters

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Venezuela has pardoned and freed 27 Colombians arrested three years ago for plotting against President Hugo Chavez.

Mr Chavez said he hoped the move would help ease tensions between Colombia's government, right-wing paramilitaries and Marxist guerrillas.

The Venezuelan president is mediating between the Bogota government and the main left-wing rebel group, Farc.

He is hoping to secure the release of hostages by Farc in exchange for rebels held by the authorities.

After talks in Colombia with President Alvaro Uribe on Friday, Mr Chavez said he would invite Farc leaders to the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, to discuss the prisoner swap.

Homecoming

On Saturday, Venezuelan Justice Minister Pedro Carreno shook hands with each of the released Colombians during a ceremony.

He said Mr Chavez's pardon had sent "a beautiful message" to the world.

The 27 men were taken by bus across the border to Colombia.

They were accused of belonging to a paramilitary movement and sentenced to six years in jail for plotting to overthrow Mr Chavez.

Three Venezuelan military officers were also sentenced to jail for their involvement in the plot.

Defence lawyers at the time said the Colombians were farm workers lured to Venezuela with promises of work, but once they arrived they were forced to join the anti-Chavez plot.