The United States government says it might consider holding further meetings with Colombian guerrillas, following secret talks last month in Costa Rica.

A State Department spokesman said the meeting between a senior US official and representatives of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia took place at the request of the Colombian government.

The spokesman said Washington wanted to demonstrate its support for the Colombian peace process, but also made it clear that US assistance in the anti-drugs fight would not stop.

The rebels frequently complain that US aid destined for anti-narcotics operations is directed against them.

Formal peace talks between the Colombian president, Andres Pastrana, and the FARC leader, Manuel Marulanda, are scheduled to begin on Thursday.