Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez claimed he has a parachute ready to drop and visit Tirofijo, the leader of the rebel Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC), the group with which he is negotiating an agreement to release hostages.

His remarks came during an interview with Colombian reporter Antonio José Caballero, aired Wednesday by RCN radio network. The Venezuelan ruler highlighted the progress made in the search for an agreement between the Colombian government and FARC.

Chávez met Tuesday in Caracas with the relatives of three US nationals kidnapped by FARC in 2003, and who are among a group of some 45 people the rebel group intends to swap for some 500 rebels in jail, Efe said.

Chávez reasserted his interest in meeting with the founder and top leader of FARC Tirofijo, 76, also known as Manuel Marulanda Vélez, whose real name is Pedro Antonio Marín.

"I think this process is taking a very interesting way and even exciting for the first time in many years. Many roads will be opened."