The main Colombian rebel group, the FARC, has asked for a meeting with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, to express its view of the conflict in Colombia. The rebels said they would be represented by one of their leaders, Raul Reyes, who was a spokesman at recent failed peace talks.
The request comes several days after Mr Annan appealed to the FARC to free all its hostages.
A UN spokesman said Mr Annan regarded the FARC request for a meeting as a positive sign.
Official figures indicate that some 3,000 people are kidnapped in Colombia every year by left-wing rebels and right-wing paramilitaries to finance their war.
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