(Agencia Bolivariana de Noticias) - "President Hugo Chávez Frías, assured that he will not abandon the mediation towards the humanitarian agreement for the liberation of the hostages in hands of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), as well as those detained by the Colombian government.

From the Miraflores Presidential Palace, in Caracas, Chávez shared opinions about the humanitarian exchange with relatives of the three North American hostages and Monsignor Augusto Castro, President of the National Episcopal Conference of Colombia. There also participated Darío Echeverry, from the Conciliation and Peace Committee, and Colombian Senator Piedad Córdoba.

Chávez indicated that 'I have plenty of faith, (though) we have heard talking about firm conditions from the government and the guerilla. I have a firm position too: We will make it.'

Regarding Senator Piedad Córdoba, she announced that the FARC accepted to meet with the Venezuelan Head of State next October 8th.

'We have received the other letter from Raúl Reyes (the so called FARC Chancellor) congratulating you for your job and saying that they are going to attend the meeting already set', said the Colombian parliamentary to President Chávez.

The Senator as well as the hostage's relatives showed complete confidence to the steps taken by the Venezuelan leader.

The mother of the presidential candidate, Ingrid Betancourt, affirmed that the meeting with President Chávez gives her new hope.

'In the name of all the hostage's relatives we thank your steps (Chávez's), and the ones of Senator Piedad Córdoba and all the Venezuelan government', she stated.