Hugo Chavez tells FARC to free hostages

During his nine years in office, the populist Chavez has regularly expressed support for the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC. Just months ago, he was pressing for steps that would lead to the FARC's being recognized as a belligerent, and no longer designated a terrorist group, as it is now by the U.S.

But Chavez surprised analysts and government officials when he advised the rebels to unconditionally release more than 700 hostages, lay down their weapons and make peace after 44 years of fighting.

"At this stage in Latin America, a guerrilla movement is out of order," Chavez told viewers of his "Alo Presidente" television program Sunday. He called on the FARC leader known as Alfonso Cano to release hostages in a humanitarian gesture "in exchange for nothing."

Colombian officials said Chavez's statements might signal a change in his approach. Interior Minister Carlos Holguin told reporters he was surprised but happy to hear Chavez's statement. The U.S. government, which often ignores Chavez's anti-U.S. rants, quickly took note

"Those are certainly good words," said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack. "We would encourage Venezuela to follow those good words with concrete actions."

Under a program called Plan Colombia, this nation has received more than $5 billion in U.S. aid to fight the FARC and other armed groups.

Alejo Vargas, a political science professor at National University of Colombia in Bogota, said that while Chavez's motives are unclear, the impact on the FARC "must be overwhelming."

"Chavez is an icon for them. But here he is telling the FARC to forget about a negotiated deal, just surrender unconditionally," Vargas said. "Secondly, he said that guerrilla movements make no sense in today's world. That kind of a statement has transcendence."

Chavez's admonition comes at a low point for the FARC. Over the last year, the rebels have suffered the killing and capture of several top leaders, increasing desertions and waning popular support because of the kidnapping and drug trafficking they use to finance the war. Founder Manuel Marulanda died of a heart attack in March at 78.

It is unclear how much practical support Chavez provides the rebels.