Colombian President Alvaro Uribe Tuesday stated that Venezuelan ruler Hugo Chávez is the successor of Cuban leader Fidel Castro, and accussed domestic and foreign politicians of putting pressure on the rebel Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC) to demand a demilitarized zone in exchange for the release of a number of hostages, Efe reported.

"If I were the FARC, I would think, President Chávez is the successor of President Castro. President Chávez is one of the people who control oil worldwide. President Chávez elected this or that president in this or that country, and he can name any political party and any president in Colombia," said Uribe.
 
He added that the FARC have shown "respect and consideration" for the Venezuelan ruler and therefore they may be interested "in handling the hostages to President Chávez."

"I am concerned that some domestic and foreign politicians are advising the FARC not to accept the meeting zone (proposed by Uribe's government to discuss the release of the hostages held by the FARC) and are telling the FARC that a demilitarized area is the only solution," Uribe said without mentioning any names. However, Colombian media suggested they could be US democrat lawmakers such as Senator Jim McGovern.