Colombia halts Chavez mediation

[Gunny]

Colombia has ended the involvement of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in attempts to negotiate a prisoner swap with left-wing Colombian rebels.
A Colombian presidential spokesman said Mr Chavez had broken an agreement not to speak directly to Colombia's army chiefs about the hostages issue.

Families of the hostages have expressed their shock at developments.

On Monday, Colombia gave Mr Chavez until 31 December to broker a deal on a swap of hostages for rebel inmates.

BBC Americas analyst Will Grant says Colombia's announcement comes after several days of growing frustration in Bogota at President Chavez and his apparent disregard for the proper diplomatic channels on the hostage issue.

more ... http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7106828.stm

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