RAW:Chavez announces release of two hostages by Colombian rebels

January 10, 2008

Two high-profile women hostages held in the Amazon jungle by Colombian rebels for more than five years have been freed in a deal orchestrated by Venezuela. Two Venezuelan helicopters had taken off from southeastern Colombia for a secret rendez-vous point in the jungle. The International Red Cross confirmed that Clara Rojas, 44, and former lawmaker Consuelo Gonzalez, 57, were now in its custody. Quote from Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.