The Catholic Church in Colombia urged President Alvaro Uribe not to wait more than then two months after he begins a second term in office to conclude a humanitarian exchange with FARC thereby freeing some dozens of hostages held by them.

The President of the Council of Bishops, Luis Augusto Castro stated at a news conference that a humanitarian agreement could be brought about due to the fact that "the International Community is working positively and there is a willingness on both sides ".

"We must show positive signs so that this could happen as soon as possible", he added.

The words of Monsignor Castro like those of Uribe give hope that an agreement will be signed allowing the liberation of some 60 FARC held hostages, in exchange for hundreds of imprisoned guerrillas.

Among those held hostages by the rebels are former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, politicians, members of military and police and three Americans working as contractors in the US funded anti-drug Plan Colombia.

According to the Bishop, Uribe has been very cautious when he spoke on this subject and this "could enhance the way towards a meeting and so towards a political solution to our conflict".

Bishop Castro also showed his concern about the 36000 paramilitaries who are supposed to have given up their guns in a peace process promoted by the Uribe government.

"Many of these Colombians who have been demilitarised, instead of taking a path towards peace, are simply organising themselves into armed gangs and are creating serious problems", he explained.

Castro added that the main interest of the Church was that these people who are demobilised "become reformed persons".

The Bishops' Conference ended its annual meeting during which it examined social, political and judicial matters concerning Colombia.