Government peace commissioner Luis Carlos Restrepo voiced optimism that the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the National Liberation Army (ELN) would follow the example set by the right-wing United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) whose paramilitaries have begun disarming.

"The main reason behind the disarming of the AUC is that it supports state rights. A second important reason, is that it opens a path of negotiation with the (left-wing) guerrilla groups," Restrepo told reporters.

The government of President Alvaro Uribe has said the FARC and ELN have used the existence of armed AUC paramilitaries as a key argument for continuing their own operations.

"For many years, it has been said that a peace deal (with the FARC and ELN) could not be advanced because of the existence of the AUC, however, we are now disarming the AUC and because of this, we want to widen the road to peace," Restrepo said.

He noted that the FARC, Columbia's largest rebel group with 17,000 combatants, has been exploring the possibility of such an accord through contacts with the UN and the Catholic church.

Restrepo said the government hopes the church might be able to negotiate a "formula" with the FARC that could lead to a release of FARC hostages, including civilians and military officers.

The peace commissioner stressed the government has already struck agreements with the ELN, the 4,000-strong group released two high-profile European tourists it had held as hostages this week.

Although it still holds other foreign hostages, Restrepo said he hopes the ELN's hostage release could pave the way toward peace talks with the group.

More than 850 right-wing paramilitaries loyal to the AUC started laying down their weapons Tuesday following a disarmament deal with Uribe's government.

WAR.WIRE