The Colombian government has affirmed it supports international efforts for a humanitarian agreement mediated by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and opposition senator Piedad Cordoba, local sources reported Monday.

In a meeting at Casa de Narino last night betweeen Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, Peace Commissioner Luis Carlos Restrepo, and Piedad Cordoba, the parties agreed that in spite of that support, there are forces opposing the peaceful efforts.

Restrepo later declared in press conference that the space for the senator's endeavours and Chavez' support "is really very appropriate, and all we have to do is to back it."

Similarly, he warned the government will be very discreet on the issue, and avoid public comments on internal topics discussed with Cordoba, Chavez or French President Nicolas Sarkozy, "not to thwart the vitality of the humanitarian deal."