French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy met with Colombian Minister Alvaro Uribe to put to him a mediation plan to obtain freedom for sixty hostages, among them the French Colombian Ingrid Betancourtm held by FARC.

During his 18- hour visit to Colombia, the Head of the French Diplomatic Service also met Ingrid Betancourt's mother Yolanda Pulecio, as well as relatives of other hostages.

Douste-Blazy received the support of the Colombian authorities for efforts made by France, Spain and Switzerland, designed to bring about a "humanitarian" agreement with FARC leading to the freeing of hostages in exchange for the release of rebels held by government forces.

"It is important for me to understand that President Uribe is in favour of this agreement", stated the French Minister during a press conference following his meeting with the Colombian President.

"Naturally we have a special obligation towards Mrs Betancourt, our fellow citizen", stressed Douste-Blazy, adding at the same time that France was concerned with the fate of all the hostages.

Emphasising a need for confidentiality, the French Minister refused to say whether or not European diplomats had discussed the agreement proposal with representatives of FARC.

"It is absolutely vital that talks can take place", Douste-Blazty stated. " That is the aim of the French government who in association with the Spanish and the Swiss are proposing a meeting place between the Colombian authorities and FARC."

For her part, Yolanda Pulecio, Ingrid Betancourt's mother thanked France for its efforts to mediate." France is committed to working towards the freedom and safety of people who are in danger", she declared after having met the French Minister.

The Colombian Government has also stated its support for an initiative undertaken by the families of some hostages to organise a national referendum on the humanitarian agreement. It is a symbolic consultation, as surveys show a huge majority of Colombians support this plan.