The FARC have given their answer. And the President has replied. The former rejected Aures in Caicedonia (Vallée) the location put forward by the government to look at a humanitarian exchange. The president himself confirmed that there was no possibility of agreeing to demilitarise (a zone).

So, stalemate? No! Added to the 'firm' stance of each side are a new ton and some slight changes in positions. The Government no longer demands a cease -fire and the FARC no longer talk of demilitarising two regions as they had done in their previous statements.

In their statement on Monday (15/08/05) FARC speak of ' freeing' for "30 days", the villages of Pradera and Florida (Valléé) from local police patrols. The term 'demilitarisation' is no longer mentioned. They specify an exact length of time - one month. And they no longer speak of the condition that Simon Trinidad and Sonia be part of the exchange. The President, for his part, has not insisted that the village of Aures be used and has even suggested that "a church" in one of the villages indicated by FARC, an idea that even the rebels could support.

Given the understandable sceptism surrounding the subject of an exchange and the undoubted distance between the positions of both sides, this time, there are some encouraging signs. The positions taken could be considered as a gap that has narrowed and not as a dialogue for the deaf, as has been the case recently.

In their recent statements and messages it is easy to see that demands have decreased. And in recent exchanges the gap has narrowed both in tone and in basic positions. We are at a key moment in the process to obtain the freedom of those kidnapped by the guerrilla in exchange for the release of rebels in prison.

What is missing? Probably the intervention of a mediator, who will negotiate issues about location, security and duration of talks. But above all, the practice of making public any positions should be stopped.

It will be impossible to reach an agreement through the media. But with the help of a mediator or in a direct meeting between the peace commissioner and the FARC, attempts must be made to have discussions in secret, far from the microphones, so agreement can be reached on location and conditions and then to announce them to the public. Yes, there are signs of goodwill: what's missing is a little push.