Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez asked Manuel Marulanda, the leader of the FARC, to deliver to him the proof of life of the hostages held by the rebel group, although his Colombian counterpart Álvaro Uribe terminated his mediation late Wednesday

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez asked Manuel Marulanda, the leader of the Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC), to deliver to him the proofs of life of the hostages held by the rebel group, although the Colombian government terminated the Venezuelan ruler's mediation late Wednesday, AFP reported.

"Since the process has been kicked off, and there are certain things you cannot stop, I expect the FARC to send me the proofs of life. I am still waiting. Send me the proofs, Marulanda!" Chávez exclaimed during an act to promote his intended changes to the Constitution.

Chávez reminded again a plan he devised with President Álvaro Uribe privately in Chile to launch peace talks in Colombian mountains, if the guerrilla group released a group of hostages.

"If you (Marulanda) decided to set a group of hostages free, despite what just happened, I am ready to host them here. Venezuela-Colombia border exceeds 2,000 kilometers, the border is open, and we would be pleased to welcome them here," Chávez added.

"I do respect Uribe's decision, and I am really sorry for Colombia," Chávez commented on the Colombian ruler's move to terminate his role of mediator in efforts to achieve a humanitarian swap of 45 hostages held by the FARC for some 500 rebels who are in jail.

The Venezuelan ruler stressed that the suggestion to hold a meeting in El Caguán was a major breakthrough. "Anyone who is knowledgeable with the Colombian conflict understands the progress this means," he highlighted.