Brazilian Official Praises Venezuela’s Decision on Colombian Hostages

Text of report by Brazilian news agency Agencia Brasil website

[Report by Carolina Pimentel: "Garcia Praises Colombian Authorization to Allow Venezuela Mediate in Release of FARC Hostages" - Agencia Brasil headline]

Brasilia -Presidential Adviser for International Affairs Marco Aurelio Garcia today described as right President Alvaro Uribe’s decision to authorize the Venezuelan Government’s operation for the release of three Colombian hostages being held by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

The diplomatic relations between the two countries were affected since Uribe disqualified Chavez as mediator for the release of the hostages. Uribe alleged that Chavez’s participation placed at risk Colombia’s democratic safety and he accused the Venezuelan President of maintaining direct contact with FARC members spoiling the agreement between them.

“I believe it was a politically intelligent attitude by the Colombian Government who oversaw its recent disagreements” with Venezuela, Garcia said before departing for Caracas to join a group that will witness the release of the hostages. “I hope this will become a starting point of reconciliation between the two governments,” he added.

Before travelling, Garcia held a meeting with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Alvorada Palace.

Originally published by Agencia Brasil website, Brasilia, in Portuguese 27 Dec 07.

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