Venezuela's Chavez says he'll renew efforts to free hostages held by Colombia rebels

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez says he will try to re-establish contacts with Colombian rebels to try to win the freedom of more hostages.
Chavez says he has spoken by telephone with French President Nicolas Sarkozy and offered to «try to make contact» with the rebels so he can mediate the freedom for more of the hostages they hold.
Chavez announced the effort Wednesday during a meeting with Portugese Prime Minister Jose Socrates.
Chavez earlier helped mediate the rebel release of several captives.