Chavez says mediation breakoff hurts Colombia ties

By Deisy Buitrago

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said on Saturday ties with Colombia had been damaged by his abrupt firing this week as a mediator in hostage talks with rebels in the South American neighbor.

"The trust has gone and that's serious for bilateral relations and it certainly will affect ties with Colombia, I have no doubt about that," Chavez told state television.

Colombian President Alvaro Uribe ended Chavez's role on Wednesday in a late-night statement accusing the talkative Venezuelan of breaking an accord between the two by speaking directly to one of his generals about the hostages.

For months, Chavez had sought to persuade Marxist FARC rebels to release dozens of hostages, including a French-Colombian politician, Ingrid Betancourt, and three U.S. defense contractors held for years in secret jungle camps.

Despite little progress, U.S. foe Chavez had won international praise for his work, particularly from France.

Colombian Peace Commissioner Luis Carlos Restrepo did not refer to Chavez's comments, but said on Saturday the government would keep up efforts to free hostages.

"We should not fall for the tricks of terrorists. President Alvaro Uribe reiterates his willingness to keep open a constructive dialogue with President Hugo Chavez," he said.

The Venezuelan leader is also embroiled in a diplomatic spat with Spain, threatening to review all ties after the king told him to "shut up" at a summit where Chavez repeatedly called a former prime minister a fascist.