Hugo Chavez tells FARC guerrillas to free hostages

"Chased by the U.S.-backed armed forces, this country's largest rebel group is now under pressure to surrender from a surprising new source -- President Hugo Chavez of neighboring Venezuela," writes the Times' Chris Kraul in Bogota, Colombia.

"During his nine years in office, the populist Chavez has regularly expressed support for the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC. Just months ago, he was pressing for steps that would lead to the FARC's being recognized as a belligerent, and no longer designated a terrorist group, as it is now by the U.S."

Photo credit: El Nacional

The Times' story continues:

"But Chavez surprised analysts and government officials when he advised the rebels to unconditionally release more than 700 hostages, lay down their weapons and make peace after 44 years of fighting."

"' At this stage in Latin America, a guerrilla movement is out of order,' " Chavez told viewers of his "Alo Presidente" TV program Sunday. He called on the FARC leader known as Alfonso Cano to release hostages in a humanitarian gesture " 'in exchange for nothing.' "

"Colombian officials said Chavez's statements might signal a change in his approach. Interior Minister Carlos Holguin told reporters he was surprised but happy to hear Chavez's statement. The U.S. government, which often ignores Chavez's anti-U.S. rants, quickly took note."

" 'Those are certainly good words,' " said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack. " 'We would encourage Venezuela to follow those good words with concrete actions.' "

-- Reed Johnson in Mexico City