A Colombian Marxist guerrilla group has invited the Netherlands to act as mediator in possible peace talks with the government, a television station reported Saturday.
The local television program NTC Noticias said the group, the National Liberation Army, had sent a letter to the Dutch embassy in Bogota inviting it to take part in possible negotiations to try to end the armed struggle that has endured for more than 30 years.It said the Netherlands was the first country to be recommended as a possible mediator.
Interior Minister Horacio Serpa later told the program the government would consider the recommendation.
"Nothing is being discarded," he said.
The program said the letter indicated the guerrilla movement was waiting for the "right conditions" to settle in the country before initiating talks.
President Ernesto Samper announced last month his government was ready to renew talks with the guerrillas to reduce violence and human rights violations.
The National Liberation Army, as well as the country's largest rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, have already sent letters expressing interest in his proposal.
Samper's predecessor, Cesar Gaviria, broke off negotiations nearly two years ago after the rebels refused to obey a cease-fire.