73% of Colombians are in favour of a peace agreement with FARC. 78% consider that negotiations with right wing paramilitary groups should continue.

According to a survey carried out by a PR company based on a sample of 1209 persons, published on Sunday in Bogotá, only 21% of those asked are against peace talks with FARC.

The survey showed that 59 % are also in favour of an exchange of prisoners who are members of FARC held in Colombian jails in exchange for 59 hostages held by the rebels, among them the French Colombian Ingrid Betancourt and three Americans. According to the same survey only 16% of those asked are against talks currently ongoing with paramilitary groups.

FARC are demanding the freeing of 500 of their men in exchange for 59 military and political personnel. As well, the Colombian government and AUC have been involved in talks for two years, which has led to the demobilisation of 11,000 members of paramilitary auxiliaries. This demobilisation is due to finish between now and 2006.

The peace process and the relative amnesties given to paramilitary leaders accused of various massacres during the last 20 years in Colombia are regularly criticised by Human Rights Organisations and by UN agencies.