Colombia's rebel group talks to civil society members
Leaders from Colombia's National Liberation Army (ELN) met on Monday with representatives of the country's civil society, a move widely regarded to be part of the preparations for peace talks with their government.

The talks in the Cuban capital will draft out a plan for the fourth round of peace talks slated for Oct. 20-25, between Colombia's second-largest rebel group and the government, later this week.

Antonio Garcia, military chief of the ELN, said the group was "learning about the main points of view of the different sectors of society."

The group planned to propose a general amnesty for all political prisoners during the meeting.

Garcia said earlier that the government's insistence on their disarmament only, and not on issues related to tackling poverty, was the main obstacle to the talks.

Another two ELN leaders Francisco Galan and Juan Carlos Cuellar were also allowed to temporarily leave jail in Colombia to take part in the meeting.

More meetings are scheduled for the week, in preparation of the formal talks with the government on Friday.

The 4,500-strong ELN, who has seen its ranks thinned in recent years, has indicated willingness to reach a deal with the government, pledging to negotiate sincerely.