Lies Lies Lies - of the government

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QUESTION: Another subject. The Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is acting as a mediator in the hostages' situation with Colombia and Peru. Do you think it can be helpful, especially since there are some American citizens among the hostages?

MR. CASEY: I'm not aware of what role he or anyone else might or might not be playing in this. We continue to be concerned certainly about the three Americans who remain captive by the FARC.
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I'm not aware, again, whether President Chavez has or has not any role in those discussions. But certainly we will be looking to the Colombian Government to ensure that we are continuing to work together to be able to resolve this case.
QUESTION: Well, he has and the French Government, since there is a French citizen, so the French Government has been approving this action by Chavez, so I was wondering if -- for U.S. it would be -- if Chavez allowed the release of one U.S. citizen it would be a good thing.
MR. CASEY: I will be delighted to comment on any involvement by President Chavez in actions that see the release of these three individuals who never should have been taken hostage in the first place. When that happens, let's talk about it.
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France's" Sarkozy hopeful on possible hostage-for-rebel deal by Venezuela's Chavez in Colombia
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