Monsignor Luis Castro, the President of the Conference of Bishops in Colombia is said to be optimistic about the response awaited by the Church from FARC about the proposal to organise pre--dialogue talks to facilitate the freeing of those kidnapped in the country.

He stated that even thought he has not received any response from the rebel group, he would consider that this silence was perhaps a good sign.

"It's a good sign because if they had deemed the proposal illogical, they would have immediately replied in the negative; and this means that they are considering the proposal and when the time is right, they will give their answer. As we wait, we will continue to pray that they will consider this proposal for peace in the country" Monsignor Castro stated.

"It is not a bad move to insist again on having talks take place abroad to avoid problems of location for the negotiations; and there, through discussion, a way of implementing this humanitarian exchange could be found." The prelate indicated.

Monsignor Castro has asked FARC to depoliticise possible negotiations that would allow kidnapped Colombians to be freed.

"The humanitarian agreement is absolutely a humanitarian issue. It has no political angle. The humanitarian agreement is independent of all political events so matter what they may be, given that it is a matter simply of saving lives and nothing else." stressed the President of the Conference of Bishops.