FARC spokesman Raul Reyes dismissed talks between ELN and the Colombian government and stated that such talks have "no future".

"We see no future in these talks because the government has no interest in demobilising rebel forces", Reyes stated in an interview with regional channel Telesur.

Reyes confirmed "if ELN reach an agreement with Uribe, it will be an achievement, not for that group and even less for the Colombian people but it will be a success for Uribe".

He indicated that if the ELN reached an agreement with the Colombian authorities "it would be frustrating for those people who believed in ELN…precisely because the government is one of the most reactionary that has ever been in power in the past while, a government that gives in to a foreign power".

Reyes stated, "The worst that can happen our country, for peace in our country, for respect and brotherhood with our neighbouring countries that the people of Colombia want, is for Uribe to be re-elected.

The rebel leader ruled out all hopes of talks with Uribe's government if he is re-elected in the coming elections. "As far as FARC are concerned there's no possibility of talks, because FARC cannot accept Uribe's demands because he is only interested in war".

"He is not interest in a (humanitarian) exchange, he is not interested in the prisoners whether they are members of the police, the military or political parties", he added.

Reyes recalled that the exchange of prisoners would only be possible if "all the rebels, including Simon Trinidad… and all those who can be extradited from here, can be freed on the signing of the agreement."

He pointed out that the exchange would include the three American contractors who were recently captured by FARC and whom he called "CIA agents".

"The prisoners are disheartened because they see no one is interested in the agreement. FARC made the offer of an exchange and that still holds.

Uribe has manipulated this offer, he has used it for electoral aims, he has deceived the International community and the relatives", he added.

Reyes refrained from speaking of the hostages' situation, but he only admitted that Clara Rojas, the colleague of independent presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, had indeed given birth to a son whose father is a member of FARC.

Regarding Clara, Reyes merely stated that it was "normal" that Clara should have had a relationship with the soldier.