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Colombia halts Chavez mediation Colombia halts Chavez mediation
(about 2 hours later)
Colombia has ended the involvement of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in attempts to negotiate a prisoner swap with left-wing Colombian rebels.Colombia has ended the involvement of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in attempts to negotiate a prisoner swap with left-wing Colombian rebels.
The decision was announced two days after Colombia set Mr Chavez a deadline of 31 December to reach a deal.The decision was announced two days after Colombia set Mr Chavez a deadline of 31 December to reach a deal.
It followed a telephone conversation between Mr Chavez and the head of Colombia's army, a spokesman for Colombian President Alvaro Uribe said.It followed a telephone conversation between Mr Chavez and the head of Colombia's army, a spokesman for Colombian President Alvaro Uribe said.
Mr Uribe had asked Mr Chavez not to speak to Colombia's generals.Mr Uribe had asked Mr Chavez not to speak to Colombia's generals.
BBC Americas editor Will Grant says the move comes after several days of growing frustration in Bogota at President Chavez and his apparent disregard for the proper diplomatic channels on the hostage issue.BBC Americas editor Will Grant says the move comes after several days of growing frustration in Bogota at President Chavez and his apparent disregard for the proper diplomatic channels on the hostage issue.
Efforts 'terminated'Efforts 'terminated'
Mr Chavez - himself a left-winger - has met Farc rebel leaders, who have been holding dozens of hostages in the Colombian jungle.Mr Chavez - himself a left-winger - has met Farc rebel leaders, who have been holding dozens of hostages in the Colombian jungle.
He had been invited along with Colombian opposition Senator Piedad Cordoba to mediate in the hostage crisis.He had been invited along with Colombian opposition Senator Piedad Cordoba to mediate in the hostage crisis.
Mr Cordoba reportedly telephoned Colombian army chief, Gen Mario Montoya, and then passed the phone to Mr Chavez. Ms Cordoba reportedly telephoned Colombian army chief, Gen Mario Montoya, and then passed the phone to Mr Chavez.
The office of Colombian President Alvaro Uribe said Mr Chavez's facilitation efforts were now "terminated".The office of Colombian President Alvaro Uribe said Mr Chavez's facilitation efforts were now "terminated".
It is not clear why Mr Uribe did not want Mr Chavez to speak directly to Colombian military chiefs.It is not clear why Mr Uribe did not want Mr Chavez to speak directly to Colombian military chiefs.
Our correspondent says that although it was thought Mr Chavez's left-wing credentials might hold some real sway with the guerrilla group, many commentators felt the 31 December deadline was unrealistic.Our correspondent says that although it was thought Mr Chavez's left-wing credentials might hold some real sway with the guerrilla group, many commentators felt the 31 December deadline was unrealistic.
The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or Farc, wants to exchange about 50 hostages it is holding in exchange for 500 prisoners in government hands.The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or Farc, wants to exchange about 50 hostages it is holding in exchange for 500 prisoners in government hands.
The Farc hostages include three US contractors and French-Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt.The Farc hostages include three US contractors and French-Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt.