Chavez confirms he will work for release of US hostages

President Hugo Chavez said Sunday he would attempt to facilitate the release of three Americans held captive for more than five years by Colombia's largest rebel group. Chavez offered to help free the three U.S. defense contractors a day after meeting with New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. Richardson traveled to Caracas to recruit the socialist leader as mediator in a possible exchange of hostages for imprisoned guerrillas. 'I told him that we're at their service, to try to help even though the issue is very complicated,' said Chavez, speaking during his weekly television and radio program.