Colombian rebels promise Christmas gesture

Members of Colombia's second biggest rebel group, the National Liberation Army, have announced the imminent release of forty-five soldiers and police officers they are holding.

A spokesman for the rebels said it was a goodwill gesture designed to open the way to peace talks with the government.

Representatives of both sides are currently meeting in Cuba to discuss moves towards formal negotiations, including the creation of a neutral zone in the south of the department of Bolivar.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service