U.S. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Thursday that his country is "seriously concerned" about Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's support for the Colombian guerrilla.
Chavez's "strategic backing" of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) worries not only Colombia but also the United States, said Mullen, on his first visit to Colombia since he took the top U.S. military post last October, after Chavez proposed to remove FARC from lists of terrorist groups.
FARC, which was founded in the 1960s, is now labeled a drug-trafficking terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.
Asked whether Venezuela was supporting the rebels, Mullen said the United States is concerned about it, but added: "I am not aware of any specific support Mr Chavez has provided the FARC."
Chavez was instrumental in securing the release on Jan. 10 of two hostages held by FARC.
FARC is holding 45 other prominent hostages, including three American defense department contractors who have been held since their plane crashed near a FARC camp in February 2003.
Source: Xinhua
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