Colombia: Pastrana says hostages release "significant"

The Colombian president, Andres Pastrana, has welcomed a decision by the country's second largest rebel group to release forty-five police and military hostages.

The announcement, from the National Liberation Army -- the ELN -- followed week-long negotiations in Cuba.

President Pastrana described the move as significant and said it was a positive gesture.

An ELN spokesman Antonio Garcia said he hoped the hostage release would send an important message to all Colombians.

The BBC correspondent in Colombia says the move is a gesture designed to prompt government peace talks.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service