CARACAS -- President Hugo Chavez confirmed Friday that he sent a letter
to the convicted terrorist known as Carlos the Jackal, and said he feels
``human solidarity'' with Venezuelan-born Illich Ramirez Sanchez, who is
serving a life sentence in a Paris prison.

``I was in prison for two years, and I know it is heartening when one receives
a letter,'' Chavez told reporters. He said he wrote to Ramirez two months ago,
shortly after being inaugurated as president, in response to a letter from
Ramirez.

Local media reported that Chavez's letter was friendly. ``This does not imply
political solidarity. It is simply human solidarity. Every human being deserves
respect,'' Chavez said.