Caracas, July 2, 2008
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Ministry of People’s Power for Foreign Affairs

STATEMENT

The fact of liberty is a justified reason of joy for Colombia’s released captives, their families and government.

The President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Hugo Chávez, has made intensive efforts to favor a humanitarian agreement in Colombia; his role as a mediator led to the first releases of Colombian citizens held by the FARC.

We have witnessed on two occasions circumstances like the ones we have watched and listened to today on the media. That’s the reason why we strongly appreciate and share the joy of this release and encounter.

The government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela shares the joy regarding the release of former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, eleven Colombian citizens and three US citizens, who have suffered in flesh the anguish of the jungle and the toughness of captivity.

Our government reiterates the request it publicly made to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) for the release of the captives they still hold.

We furthermore wish this event paves the way for a humanitarian agreement, the end of war and the extraordinary achievement of peace.

The government and people of Venezuela yearn for the reunion among Colombians, who will surely expand with peace the extraordinary potential of that homeland, sister of ours in the dreams of El Libertador.

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