The Colombian rebel group, Farc, is set to release at least three hostages to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, Cuba's official news agency has said.

The hostages will include Clara Rojas, an aide of another hostage, former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, Prensa Latina reported.

Ms Rojas's son and former congresswoman Consuelo Gonzalez will also be freed.

Last month, the Colombian government terminated Mr Chavez's role as mediator between the government and the rebels.

President Alvaro Uribe said the Venezuelan leader had been in direct contact with Colombia's army chief, despite being told explicitly not to do so.

In response, Mr Chavez said he would freeze Venezuela's bilateral ties with its neighbour and close trading partner.

Ms Rojas was kidnapped in February 2002 along with Ms Betancourt as she accompanied the French-Colombian national on her presidential campaign.

Last year, Colombian journalist Jorge Enrique Botero said in a book that Ms Rojas had given birth to a baby boy named Emmanuel following a relationship with one of her Farc captors.

A child, thought to be Emmanuel, was also mentioned by a fellow hostage in a video released by the Farc in July.