Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is 'ready to help re-engage in negotiations' for the release of three American hostages

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is 'ready to help re-engage in negotiations' for the release of three American hostages held captive by rebels in Colombia, a visiting US Governor said. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson told the agencies in a telephone interview that he plans to put forward a proposal for the release of the three US defence contractors in the coming weeks and that Chavez is willing to work with him as a 'primary mediator.'