Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez urged the new leader of Colombia?s Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels on the day before to unconditionally release all prisoners from jungle camps, in an effort to galvanize international efforts to free high-profile hostages, including Ingrid Betancourt (photo).?The time has come for the FARC to release everyone. ... It would be a grand humanitarian gesture ? and unconditional. That?s what I propose to the new leader,? Chavez said in unusually blunt language toward the Marxist rebels.

Chavez appeared to be taking advantage of a historic change of leadership in the FARC. The rebels acknowledged last month their longtime leader, Manuel ?Sureshot? Marulanda, had died and been succeeded by Alfonso Cano, who political analysts say is more likely to negotiate over releases and possibly long-term peace.

The anti-US Chavez, who has said persistently his goal is to negotiate an end to Colombia?s civil war, said the conflict was anachronistic and served as an excuse for the United States to use its military aid in the region and treat him as an enemy.