Hugo Chavez news: Colombian rebels free 2 hostages

By IAN JAMES, Associated Press Writer

CARACAS, Venezuela - Colombian rebels freed two women held hostage for more than five years, handing them over Thursday to Venezuelan officials who flew them to Caracas where a triumphant President Hugo Chavez awaited.

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The release of Clara Rojas, an aide to former Colombian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, and former congresswoman Consuelo Gonzalez, was a major victory for Chavez, whose leftist ideology has helped make him a key mediator with the rebels.

The Caracas-based Telesur network showed the two women smiling as they were freed by rebels in fatigues.

"President, a thousand thanks for your humanitarian gesture," Gonzalez told Chavez on a satellite phone.

"We are being reborn," a beaming Rojas told Chavez.


-more here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080110/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/venezuela_colombia_hostages

Go Hugo!!!

:sarcasm:

I recorded when the hostages met their families and will post the video soon. Very, very moving. I'm so happy for them! :toast:

It doesn't include either Obama or Clinton in the title!

What was the OP thinking?? :sarcasm:

Speaking of "stone", was Oliver Stone given any credit for joining this effort?

He ain't perfect, but credit is due for his many accomplishments.