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BOGOTA, Colombia — President Juan Manuel Santos took office Saturday with a pledge to create jobs, end rebel violence and foster economic growth while seeking to mend ties with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.
Santos, 58, took the presidential sash from outgoing President Alvaro Uribe amid a dispute with Chavez, who last month severed diplomatic ties after the government revealed photos and other evidence of alleged Colombian rebel camps in Venezuela.
Chavez did not attend the inauguration but sent his foreign minister, Nicolas Maduro, who struck a conciliatory tone. “We want to extend our affectionate hand, of friendship and as brothers to all the Colombian people,” he said.
