51.   Venezuelan officials said Monday that tensions had been eased in the conflict with the United States over a U.S. offer to send troops to help with flood relief.

52.   Venezuelan officials said the arrests included three Venezuelan police officers.

53.   Venezuelan officials said the refugees were repatriated after reaching a deal with Colombia providing them with protection, and that they went back voluntarily.

54.   Venezuelan officials said they were able to recover the ransom.

55.   Venezuelan officials also temporarily grounded an American Airlines flight Wednesday because its tires lacked an information sticker.

56.   Venezuelan officials said Pastrana, who arrived Monday morning in Caracas, would return to Bogota by mid-afternoon.

57.   Venezuelan officials said their ruse let them recover the victim with no ransom.

58.   Venezuelan officials say he still faces charges there.

59.   A Venezuelan official told AFP the text also calls for corruption to be listed among crimes that can lead to extradition.

60.   Chavez and Kasyanov will hold a working meeting early Friday, Venezuelan officials said.