A dangerous dance in Colombia

The Colombian government has invited Venezuela’s President, Hugo Chavez to mediate the FARC conflict in the hope of achieving a "humanitarian accord" to swap approximately 40 hostages in exchange for an estimated 350 mid-level convicted FARC representatives. The mutual intentions of the two governments have not always been particularly benign. The diplomatic move coincides with ostensible snubbing of Uribe in the U.S. Congress combined with diplomatic pressure from a newly elected French President. But Chavez’s might deliver a two-edged result for Colombia. Analysis and implications.

NEWS:

• Bolivia and Iran Forge Diplomatic Links.
• Guatemala: Electoral Runoff.
• Peru: Trade Agreement with the U.S. closer.  Lima rejects opening of ALBA offices.  Poll: Alan Garcia’s Approval Rating increases in Peru, Ollanta Humala not as Popular.  Congressmen and Ministers want new and stronger NGO law.  Mining referendum: emotions running high in northern Peru, "Chavistas" involved.
• Mexico Investigates Pemex blasts.  Claims that Chavez is behind it.
• Panama:  Noriega Remains in U.S. Custody after Prison Term Ends.
• Venezuela and Bolivia deals include iron joint venture. Chavez: Venezuela to launch defense satellite.
• Bodies of FARC hostages recovered.  Chavez offer on FARC is rejected.
• Ecuador’s Correa says Congress should be dissolved.  Correa threatens not to renew TV station license.
• Brazil: Senate Leader Absolved Of Corruption Charges.
• 14 candidates register for Argentina’s presidential vote.  Shell’s Argentine refinery to reopen Tuesday.
• Colombia’s biggest drug lord caught.

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