Mainz - Marxist rebels started discussions with Colombia's business, labour and church leaders in Germany yesterday.
Commanders from the Cuban-inspired National Liberation Army (ELN), Colombia's second largest rebel force, attended the talks sponsored by the German Bishops' Conference.
Meanwhile two Colombian petroleum engineers were kidnapped yesterday by ELN rebels, police said.
Last Thursday President-elect Andres Pastrana held a surprise meeting with leaders of the largest guerrilla group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), and agreed on terms for starting talks.