Colombia head offers talks zone
Colombian President Alvaro Uribe says he is willing to create a "meeting zone" to enable talks to take place aimed at freeing rebel-held hostages.
Mr Uribe's announcement reverses his opposition to such a zone, which is a key demand by the Farc rebels.
His offer comes amid increasing international pressure for a deal to secure the release of 45 high-profile hostages in return for rebel prisoners.
Correspondents say it is unclear how the rebels will respond.
Addressing a police ceremony in Bogota, Mr Uribe said the zone would be in a rural and sparsely populated area where there were no military or police posts, and preferably with the presence of international observers.
"The Catholic Church proposed this meeting zone and the government has indicated its readiness to accept it," Mr Uribe said.
The zone designated for talks must not exceed 150 sq km (58 sq miles), he said, and the negotiating parties must not be armed.
Mr Uribe insisted that his government had made every attempt to end the drama of the hostages whereas the guerrillas' answer had been "killings and lies". (AtW's comment: clearly anyone in hostage position should try to run away)
BBC correspondent Jeremy McDermott says the rebels have been pushing for a much bigger demilitarised zone, like the one granted to them by the previous president, Andres Pastrana.
The Colombian government is seeking to swap some 45 hostages held by the Farc for hundreds of guerrilla prisoners.
A still of Ingrid Betancourt, from a video seized from captured Farc rebels
Ms Betancourt says she has been "living like the dead"
Among the hostages are French-Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt and three Americans.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy this week offered to become involved in mediation.
He is particularly keen to secure the release of Ms Betancourt, who holds French citizenship through a former marriage.
She was kidnapped by Farc in 2002 while campaigning for the Colombian presidency.
In video and photos released last week, Ms Betancourt was shown in a jungle setting, looking gaunt and subdued, along with 15 other hostages.
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shauhbhoy would probably have another view
Colombian President Alvaro Uribe says he is willing to create a "meeting zone" to enable talks to take place aimed at freeing rebel-held hostages.
Mr Uribe's announcement reverses his opposition to such a zone, which is a key demand by the Farc rebels.
His offer comes amid increasing international pressure for a deal to secure the release of 45 high-profile hostages in return for rebel prisoners.
Correspondents say it is unclear how the rebels will respond.
Addressing a police ceremony in Bogota, Mr Uribe said the zone would be in a rural and sparsely populated area where there were no military or police posts, and preferably with the presence of international observers.
"The Catholic Church proposed this meeting zone and the government has indicated its readiness to accept it," Mr Uribe said.
The zone designated for talks must not exceed 150 sq km (58 sq miles), he said, and the negotiating parties must not be armed.
Mr Uribe insisted that his government had made every attempt to end the drama of the hostages whereas the guerrillas' answer had been "killings and lies". (AtW's comment: clearly anyone in hostage position should try to run away)
BBC correspondent Jeremy McDermott says the rebels have been pushing for a much bigger demilitarised zone, like the one granted to them by the previous president, Andres Pastrana.
The Colombian government is seeking to swap some 45 hostages held by the Farc for hundreds of guerrilla prisoners.
A still of Ingrid Betancourt, from a video seized from captured Farc rebels
Ms Betancourt says she has been "living like the dead"
Among the hostages are French-Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt and three Americans.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy this week offered to become involved in mediation.
He is particularly keen to secure the release of Ms Betancourt, who holds French citizenship through a former marriage.
She was kidnapped by Farc in 2002 while campaigning for the Colombian presidency.
In video and photos released last week, Ms Betancourt was shown in a jungle setting, looking gaunt and subdued, along with 15 other hostages.
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shauhbhoy would probably have another view
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