President Hugo Chávez Tuesday met Noel Saez, envoy of French head of State Nicolas Sarkozy, in order to talk about the “next steps” towards securing the release of more hostages held by the rebel Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC).

“During the meeting they talked about the steps to be taken to achieve the freedom of people held by the Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC),” said a communiqué issued by the presidential palace.

Venezuelan Minister of Foreign Affairs Nicolás Maduro, Minister of the President's Office Jesse Chacón, Minister of the Interior and Justice Ramón Rodríguez Chacín and the French ambassador to Venezuela Hadelin de La Tour-du-Pin also took part in the meeting, reported Efe.