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December 4, 2008 3:51:57 PM CST

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Recovered Data Links Venezuela to FARC Rebels

Posted Mar 12, 08 8:50 PM CDT in World 

(Newser) – Possible links between Hugo Chavez’ Venezuelan government and the Colombian FARC guerrilla group concern Washington, but US officials aren't yet saying the nation will be declared a state sponsor of terrorism, Reuters reports. Colombia said computers seized in a March 1 raid on a FARC base in Ecuador contain evidence that proves Venezuela is aiding the leftist group.

The State Department is reviewing the information, and so far, said Assistant Secretary of State Tom Shannon, the links appear “worrisome, even disturbing because it does seem to indicate a degree of dialogue between the government of Venezuela and the FARC that have to be explained. "But we are very early in the process and it would be a mistake to jump to conclusions."

Source Reuters

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Colombian policeman Juan Fernando Galicia, a hostage of FARC rebels, is seen during a recorded message sent to Venezuela's government %u2014 which could have ties to the rebels, Colombia alleges.   (Associated Press)
An aerial view of the former Revolutionary Forces of Colombia, or FARC camp in Angostura, on the Ecuadorean border with Colombia, on March 10, 2008. Colombia raided the base March 1.   (Associated Press)
The government of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has ties to Colombia's FARC rebel group, Colombia says, a development the US State Department calls "worrisome."   (Associated Press)
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terrorism • Venezuela • Colombia • Hugo Chávez • FARC • Ecuador • state sponsors of terror list


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