Colombian President Álvaro Uribe has given an opposition senator permission to negotiate with the FARC rebel movement.
 

Senator Piedad Córdoba, together with the Red Cross, is being allowed to hold talks with the FARC on the release of hostages. President Uribe has, however, imposed the condition that 24 police officers and soldiers being held hostage will be part of any eventual release.

The FARC earlier wanted to negotiate with Senator Córdoba about the possible release of two hostages but President Uribe blocked the move. His latest decision is seen as a breakthrough and the senator has called it a positive gesture on Mr Uribe's part and says she will have a meeting with the president shortly.

Media reports say both Mr Uribe and Ms Córdoba are planning to stand in next year's presidential elections in Colombia.

photo: Piedad Córdoba (Wikipedia commons)