Chavez acted as go-between for the release of some prisoners to Venezuela

Despite this attempt at veto, and sabotage tactics from the Colombian army, Chavez in fact acted as go-between for the release of some prisoners to Venezuela, to the delight of their families. The family of the best-known remaining hostage, former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, has been encouraging Chavez and criticising Uribe's sabotage. Both Chavez and Correa were in contact with Raúl Reyes, the FARC second in command and usual spokesman and negotiatior, to arrange more releases, including that of Ingrid Betancourt.