Colombia's Minister of Justice, Ms Carolina Barco, stated Colombia had received offers from Brazil, Venezuela and other friendly countries to welcome government and rebel delegations to begin eventual peace talks.

"We appreciate very much the support of Venezuela that has offered to co-operate with arrangements to be decided by the Colombian government; it is very positive, but we cannot anticipate events," said Ms Barco.

She added that the offer from Venezuela concerned peace talks with ELN as well as eventual talks with FARC about the exchange of political and military hostages for imprisoned rebels.

In the case of ELN, Ms Barco stated that the process was in a preliminary phase with the freeing of Francisco Galan, spokesman for ELN in order to discuss with his colleagues a basis for a possible peace deal.

As regards "talks about talks" for the humanitarian exchange, the Minister confirmed that there had been several offers "from Brazil, Venezuela and other friendly countries but we await the answer from FARC".

FARC has stated that only the issue of the freeing of hostages will be negotiated.