Juan Fernando Cristo

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos postponed peace talks with the ELN rebels on Oct. 27 just hours before they were due to open, insisting they first release an ex-lawmaker being held hostage.

Santos said he remained committed to making peace but would not budge from his demand for the ELN to first free former congressman Odin Sanchez "safe and sound."

Colombia and Venezuela recalled their ambassadors on Aug. 27 for consultations, amid mounting tensions that began nearly a week ago when Caracas closed off their shared border.