Columbian rebels to free hostages

Bogota: Colombia's leftist guerrillas plan to release three lawmakers they were holding hostage, Venezuelan television Uno reported, citing a rebel statement given to the station late on Saturday.

The hostages will be released due to health reasons and as a new effort by leftist Colombian Senator Piedad Cordoba to reconcile with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

Chavez mediated the release of two captives last month.

The hostages due to be released were kidnapped more than six years ago. The men were identified as Luis Eladio Perez, Gloria Polanco and Orlando Beltran.