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The United States grudgingly acknowledged Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's role in freeing two women hostages in Colombia yesterday but made clear it was not about to ask his help to free three Americans there.
US State Department spokesman Tom Casey warmly welcomed the release of the two women, held for years in Colombia's jungles by Marxist rebels, but avoided praising the leftist Chavez, an outspoken critic of the US who has described President George W. Bush as the Devil.
"We welcome the release of these two hostages," Casey said. "We are also appreciative of the leadership of [Colombian] President [Alvaro] Uribe, in terms of trying to secure the release of these hostages, and we welcome the good offices of any individuals who can help secure that, in co-operation with the Colombian Government."
But he largely avoided mentioning Chavez. "I think that anybody, including President Chavez ... who has a role to play that is positive and that supports President Uribe and the Colombian Government's efforts is to be welcomed," Casey said.
Asked if Washington was willing to work with Chavez to try to release the US hostages, Casey replied: "Well, we continue to work with the Government of Colombia.
"The Government of Colombia and President Uribe are the ones who are ultimately responsible for managing whatever process is involved here."
He said the US would do "anything and everything" it could to secure the release of its hostages but would not directly address whether this might include talking to Chavez.
- REUTERS
