10/10/2007 (Agence Europe) - In a declaration published on Tuesday 9 October, the Portuguese EU presidency “welcomes all recent initiatives in pursuit of humanitarian agreements that can secure the release of all hostages, end the armed conflict and bring peace to Colombia taken with the Colombian government's support”. The EU follows with interest “the mediation efforts of the president of Venezuela and supports the work of all those committed to the application of international humanitarian law in Colombia”. Hugo Chavez has been mandated by Colombia to promote negotiations with a view to the so-called “humanitarian” exchange of 500 guerilleros for 45 hostages held by FARC, including three Americans and Ingrid Betancourt. (ab)