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Mission Begins to Rescue Hostages in Colombia

Chavez sends choppers into jungle

By Jane Yager,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 29, 2007 9:52 AM CST

(Newser) – Helicopters sent by Venezuela's Hugo Chavez to rescue hostages from Colombian rebels have landed at the edge of a Colombian wilderness and are awaiting a go-ahead from the rebels, the BBC reports. Guerrillas plan to release two women, seized more than five years ago, and a young boy fathered in captivity. International observers shadowing the operation include filmmaker Oliver Stone.

Stone, an admirer of Chavez who is in Venezuela to research a documentary, called the hostage mission a "beautiful, great process." Chavez in exchange praised Stone as an "anti-imperialist...good man." The Colombian government, less enchanted with the mission, has accused Chavez of overstepping his bounds by establishing direct contact with the FARC rebel group.

Colombia's President Alvaro Uribe, delivers a speech in Cota, Colombia, Thursday, Nov. 22, 2007. Colombia's government said Wednesday that it was canceling Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's mediation role with leftist rebels of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, FARC, in a possible hostage swap.(AP Photo/William Fernando Martinez)
Colombia's President Alvaro Uribe, delivers a speech in Cota, Colombia, Thursday, Nov. 22, 2007. Colombia's government said Wednesday that it was canceling Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's mediation...   (Associated Press)
Director Oliver Stone is seen during a news conference to unveil a television advertisement that he directed that criticizes the Iraq war in Santa Monica, Calif. in a Thursday, May 3, 2007 file photo. American filmmaker Oliver Stone praised President Hugo Chavez on Friday, Dec. 28, 2007 as the Venezuelan...
Director Oliver Stone is seen during a news conference to unveil a television advertisement that he directed that criticizes the Iraq war in Santa Monica, Calif. in a Thursday, May 3, 2007 file photo....   (Associated Press)
Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez speaks during a press conference at a hotel in Paris, Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, working under a December deadline to help free hostages held by Colombian rebels, said Tuesday the guerrillas promised to furnish proof by year's end that one hostage, former...
Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez speaks during a press conference at a hotel in Paris, Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, working under a December deadline to help free hostages...   (Associated Press)
Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez speaks during a press conference at a hotel in Paris, Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, working under a December deadline to help free hostages held by Colombian rebels, said Tuesday the guerrillas promised to furnish proof by year's end that one hostage, former...
Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez speaks during a press conference at a hotel in Paris, Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, working under a December deadline to help free hostages...   (Associated Press)
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