Chavez greets freed Colombian hostages

Four hostages were freed by Colombian rebels after six years of captivity and flown to Venezuela, where they appealed to President Hugo Chavez to help press for the freedom of all remaining hostages.

The former politicians were released in a gesture coordinated with Mr Chavez as the leftist rebels seek to put pressure on Colombia’s US-allied government and persuade the international community to strike them from lists of terrorist groups.

“You’ve given me the opportunity to live again,” hostage Gloria Polanco said as she was freed in a Colombian jungle clearing, thanking Mr Chavez for allowing her to see her three grown sons again.

The four were reunited with relatives amid tears, hugs and flowers at Caracas’ international airport.

Then Mr Chavez welcomed them to the presidential palace, where Ms Polanco made a passionate plea for the Venezuelan leader to help win the release of ailing former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, a dual French-Colombian citizen, who is one of the most prominent captives.

“As a woman and a mother, I ask from my heart here in front of everyone that you fight to get Ingrid free as soon as possible,” Ms Polanco implored.

“She is very ill, president, very ill. She has recurrent hepatitis B and is near the end.”

Mr Chavez turned to TV cameras recording the meeting and asked the rebel leader Manuel Marulanda, “from my heart to change Ingrid’s location. Move her to a base closer to you, while we continue working to pave the way for her definitive release.” Mr Chavez called Ms Betancourt’s case “urgent”.

Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, who has tense relations with Mr Chavez, thanked the socialist leader and called for the release of all hostages.

He said Colombia is still in a fight “against terrorist actions” but is open to reconciliation.