and then
The International Committe of the Red Cross confirmed the two women were turned over by rebels of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced that two hostages were freed by Colombian rebels Thursday, saying he spoke with the Colombian women by phone and they are being flown out of the jungle aboard Venezuelan helicopters.
Chavez said in Caracas that Clara Rojas, an aide to former Colombian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, and former congresswoman Consuelo Gonzalez, would arrive in Venezuela within about three hours.
The International Committe of the Red Cross confirmed the two women were turned over by rebels of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.
It was the most important hostage release in the Colombian conflict since 2001, when the FARC freed some 300 soldiers and police officers it had held captive.
Chavez said he hopes it opens the way for a broader peace process in Colombia. “Venezuela will continue opening the way for peace in Colombia. We are ready, and in contact, and we hope the Colombian government understands. I'm sure they will understand,'' Chavez said. “The world wants peace for Colombia.”