Bush, Colombia's Uribe

by AFP

US President George W. Bush and Colombian President Alvaro Uribe on Monday discussed efforts to set free 45 hostages, including three US citizens, held by leftist rebels, the White House said.

Bush spoke to Uribe "to convey support for Uribe's efforts to gain the release of all the hostages held by the FARC," the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, said US national security spokesman Gordon Johndroe.

"The president also thanked President Uribe for including the three Americans in his efforts to gain the release of FARC-held hostages," Johndroe said in a statement.

The Americans, US Defense Department contractors, were abducted in February 2003 after rebels shot down their plane during an anti-drug surveillance mission.

The two leaders also discussed the US-Colombia free trade agreement, with Bush "affirming his commitment to have the agreement approved at the earliest opportunity," the spokesman said.