Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez is visiting Colombian counterpart Alvaro Uribe in a bid to broker a peace deal with Colombian guerillas. Despite the doubts by some members of the Colombian government, Chavez expressed hope that something could be worked out: “‘I ask God that I can contribute in the issue of this humanitarian swap, in the search for peace, a peace for all of us,’ Chavez said after stepping off his plane in Bogota before meetings with Uribe at the president's farm outside of capital.”
At the heart of the discussion is the hard-line taken by guerillas and government over the creation of a demilitarized zone and how to go about with a possible hostage exchange. Still, there is cautious optimism by the families of hostages on Chavez’ mediation:
“‘The kidnappers say they admire Chavez. They might not obey him, but they do take note,’ (Ingrid) Betancourt's husband, Juan Carlos Lecompte, said. ‘It's the first time I see there could be a small light at the end of the tunnel.’”
Sources- Bloomberg, International Herald Tribune, Prensa Latina, Reuters
Image- RCN
I must wonder why the kidnappers admire Chavez? Many times I have read about relations between Chavez and the FARC and dunno if its just a suspicion or if it can be confirmed under this episode. But the people are only seeing the humanitarian side of the story (of whom I agree), I just ask to see whats behind it
ReplyDeleteFrom what I have read there are suspicions of close relations between Chavez and the FARC such as the extreme view that Venezuela is a "guerilla haven". But there is very little beyond rumors and hearsay.
ReplyDeleteWhether Chavez will be successful in brokering a deal between the stubborn Uribe administration and the FARC leaders remains to be seen.