Colombian Marxist rebels plan to free four hostages tomorrow in the second release deal brokered by Venezuela in as many months, officials said.
Farc rebels have told the leftist government of President Hugo Chavez where to pick up the four captive lawmakers, Venezuelan Interior Minister Ramon Rodriguez said, adding the operation would begin early on Wednesday.
The release of the hostages, who have been held for more than six years in jungle camps, would raise hopes for the freedom of the most high-profile captives, French-Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt and three US contractors.
The release in January of two women politicians marked the first major breakthrough in years in talks to move toward peace between the Farc (the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) and the government of Colombian President Alvaro Uribe.
But after close initial co-operation, Mr Chavez and Washington ally Mr Uribe have bickered over the Venezuelan's mediation efforts.