The Colombian government is willing to consult the electorate about the humanitarian exchange of 59 hostages held by FARC for rebels held in prison, official sources have revealed.

Former deputies of the Regional assembles from the Cauca Valley held hostage since 2002 by FARC had proposed that this consultation be held alongside elections to Congress on 12 March next.

According to sources form the seat of government this formal initiative will have to be undertaken by relations of the kidnapped and would seek the support of the government, provided that freed rebels would undertake not to re-offend.

The former deputies made this proposal in a message sent last weekend to their relatives as a proof of life.

Luis Carlos Rostrepo High Commissioner for Peace will make an announcement about this in the next few hours, according to government sources, after the meeting to be held between the Minister for External Affaires, Philippe Douste-Blazy, and President Alvaro Uribe.

The French Minister arrived this morning in Bogotá to discuss the freeing of FARC hostages, among them the former presidential candid date Ingrid Betancourt who has Colombian- French nationality. 23 February she will have been held by FARC for four years.