Bogota  - The Colombian government expressed hope Monday that rebels of the leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) would listen to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, after he called upon them to release their hostages unilaterally.

"Having a group of people, especially civilians but also members of the military, up a mountain is not the same as being in jail. I was in prison two-and-a-half years (for a failed coup attempt in 1992), but my wife came to see me everyday, and my parents on weekends," Chavez said Sunday in his weekly television programme Alo Presidente.

"I think time has come for FARC to release all the hostages they have there in the mountains. It would be a great humanitarian gesture, in exchange for nothing," Chavez insisted.

Colombian Defence Minister Juan Manuel Santos reacted to the comments on Monday, saying: "I hope FARC listen to Chavez."

FARC are believed to be holding over 700 hostages, some of them kidnapped over 10 years ago. Among them is a group of some 40 hostages - including former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt - whom the rebels consider politically-relevant and plan to exchange for imprisoned rebels.

The left-wing populist Chavez mediated to obtain the release of several hostages earlier this year.

Santos told Colombian radio station RCN that he was surprised to hear Chavez's comments and noted that former Cuban leader Fidel Castro spoke on a similar note four or five years ago.

"The important thing is that this translates into facts. What we are most interested in is that our neighbours cooperate in the fight against terrorism. It would be great news," Santos said.

Based on the contents of computers found in the possession of rebel leaders, Colombia has in recent months accused both Venezuelan and Ecuadorian authorities of having ties with FARC. However, both Caracas and Quito have denied the allegations amid great diplomatic tensions. (dpa)