Chávez says 'first steps' taken to release Colombian hostages

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Miami Herald/Associated Press

Chávez says 'first steps' taken to release Colombian hostages
Posted on Sat, Feb. 09, 2008Digg del.icio.us AIM reprint print email
BY JORGE RUEDA
Associated Press

BARINAS, Venezuela -- President Hugo Chávez said Saturday that he has taken ''the first steps'' toward the release of three ailing hostages held by Colombian rebels for more than six years.

''We have already made contact'' with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, Chávez told reporters in the southeastern city of Bariñas. ``The first steps on this path have been taken.''

Chávez urged ''calm and patience,'' saying ''there's no time limit'' for the release of Gloria Polanco, Luis Eladio Pérez and Orlando Beltrán, who were kidnapped in 2001. Holding up a letter from rebel leader Manuel Marulanda, Chávez said he was maintaining contact with the rebel leadership.

Chávez met later with relatives of the hostages, who turned to the Venezuelan leader for help. Venezuelan state television broadcast live images of the president speaking to the families at the state governor's office in Bariñas.

''The information we have is that they are in good condition,'' Chávez said.



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