Colombia offered to suspend the sentences of jailed guerrillas if the rebels first free hostages including former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt.

TWO high-profile woman hostages held in the Amazon jungle by Colombian rebels for more than five years were freed yesterday.

Colombian rebels today provided a pick-up location for two hostages they have held for years, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said, and the Colombian government gave him the green light to launch a rescue mission.

Colombian guerrillas have said they would be prepared to consider an exchange of seven hostages for rebels held in prison, it was reported today.

A senior Roman Catholic Church leader met with imprisoned leaders of Colombia’s second-largest rebel group as part of stepped up efforts to secure the release of seven foreign hostages.