The US government voiced support Thursday to the efforts made by Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez for the release of 49 people kidnapped by leftwing guerrillas, the Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC), including three US citizens.

US Ambassador to Bogotá William Brownfield said that his government would back any effort aimed at freedom of the hostages held by FARC, Reuters reported.

"Of course, we welcome the efforts of anybody, or any organization, or government, to facilitate the liberation of all the people kidnapped, including the US citizens," the diplomat told journalists.

"We think though, that it is important for the organization responsible for this situation to produce something, to put something on the table, in order to show that it is taking part also in this process," he added.