The president of Venezuela has conferred his blessing on peace talks between the Colombian government and FARC rebels, efforts that could bring an end to the longest conflict in the Western hemisphere. President Hugo Chávez praised the steps taken by Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, who outlined plans for the talks set to begin next month. “I can also send my greetings to the high ranks of the FARC who have also done their part,” Chávez said. “They asked us for help and I told the president: whatever needs to be done for Colombia’s peace, I’m willing to do it.”
