BOGOTÁ, Colombia -- Ever since Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez stepped in to act as a mediator between rebels of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the Colombian government, hopes have been raised about the possibility of brokering a deal to secure the release of high-profile hostages held by the guerrilla group. But difficult obstacles to an agreement remain. Chavez's active role has been enthusiastically welcomed by the international community, the Colombian government and by the FARC. "President Chávez's . . . ability, his shrewdness, and the prestige he has gained on the continent will help to resolve the issue of the humanitarian exchange," FARC commander Raúl Reyes said in an interview published in the Mexican daily La Jornada earlier this month.
International Involvement Creates High Hopes for Ending Colombia’s Hostage Crisis
