April 27 (Bloomberg) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said his government has lost contact with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia after brokering the unilateral liberation of six Colombian hostages this year.

``We lost the contact we had with the FARC,'' Chavez said on state television during his weekly program. ``We had elaborated a communications system but it was pulverized.''

Chavez met with New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson last night to discuss the liberation of three American defense contractors in the hands of the FARC, as the guerrilla group is known. Richardson said Chavez showed a willingness to help achieve a humanitarian accord to free hostages.

The Venezuelan president's contacts with the Colombian rebels have heightened tensions between the neighboring countries, with Uribe accusing Chavez of providing financial support for FARC.

To contact the reporter on this story: Daniel Cancel in Caracas at dcancel@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: April 27, 2008 16:53 EDT