Venezuela ready to launch operation to pick up four hostages expected to be released by Colombian rebels

Venezuela is ready to launch an operation today to pick up four hostages expected to be released by Colombian Marxist rebels, Interior Minister Ramon Rodriguez Chacin said. Rodriguez urged the neighbouring Colombian government to give the green light for the operation, saying Caracas had already received the co-ordinates of the hostages’ location from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. 'We have faith that (the operation) will immediately be authorised,' he told reporters on Monday. We could do it today with authorisation. We have the ability to go and come back the same afternoon.'