BOGOTA, Colombia (Reuters) -- Businesses in Colombia with ties to the United States are free to employ demobilized members of illegal groups without fear of anti-terrorism sanctions, the U.S. ambassador said on Tuesday.

The statement came as Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, a staunch Washington ally, tries to end a four-decades-old guerrilla war by offering reduced jail terms to Marxist rebels and far-right paramilitaries who turn in their arms.

Both are considered terrorist groups by the United States.

"We note for the benefit of employers who are subject to U.S. law that there are no U.S. criminal restrictions against employing or assisting program participants who are no longer members or supporters of a terrorist organization," said a statement issued by Ambassador William Wood.

By offering incentives for the militants to disband and integrate into Colombia's economy, the United States has taken a pragmatic stance that some experts believe could influence the way it handles similar demobilizations of groups considered terrorists in other hot spots.

"The U.S. government is trying to give Colombia some flexibility for employing demilitarized terrorists," said Stephen Donehoo, Latin American expert at Washington-based Kissinger McLarty Associates.

"This helps the Uribe government transition former paramilitaries and guerrillas into legitimate economic and political life," Donehoo said.

While formal peace talks with the rebels have yet to start, more than 22,000 paramilitaries have surrendered their guns in a deal promising reduced jail terms of up to eight years for crimes such as torture and massacre.

But politicians, academics and human rights groups say the paramilitaries are not dismantling their criminal networks.

"The tricky part is knowing who has really demobilized and who went through the demobilization ceremony but is still involved in criminal activity," said Maria McFarland of New York-based Human Rights Watch.