Colombian President Álvaro Uribe on Wednesday described as positive statements by his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chávez, who last weekend asked the rebel Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC) to unconditionally release hostages held by the rebel group.

In an interview with Colombian radio station La FM, Uribe addressed for the first time the request made by Chávez on Sunday, who asked the FARC to free all the hostages "for nothing" and to reconsider the guerrillas warfare, reported Efe.

"I think -this is the first time I say so- that President Hugo Chávez's remarks are positive, helpful," said Uribe when journalists asked his opinion on the Venezuelan ruler' statements.