Boost for Colombia peace

Juveniles captured by the government troops to be rehabilitated

Colombia's peace prospects have received a boost with the announcement by the country's second-largest rebel army that it will release 45 captured security officers.

The National Liberation Army (ELN) spokesman said the move was a goodwill gesture designed to open the way to peace talks with the government.

We are sorting out the final details so that in the next few days, hopefully before Christmas, the police and military officers can be freed

ENL spokesman

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

And in an unprecedented step, the government pardoned 40 leftist rebel juveniles who will undergo a rehabilitation programme and be returned to their families.

The youths surrendered to the army during combat in north-east Colombia over the past three weeks, during which army troops have killed 51 rebels, among them 20 juveniles.

Final details

The ELN's second commander, Antonio Garcia, said the 45 officers captured in clashes in rebel-controlled areas would be freed in good health.

Guerrillas have broken off negotiations

"We are sorting out the final details so that in the next few days, hopefully before Christmas, the police and military officers can be freed," commander Garcia told the private Caracol television station, in a telephone interview from an unidentified location in Europe.

The ENL spokesman made no demands in exchange for their release - a gesture analysts said could help foster the start of peace talks with the government.

The two sides have held informal contacts for about a year.

President Andres Pastrana welcomed the rebels' peace gesture, but urged the ELN and Latin America's oldest and biggest guerrilla force, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), to cease their campaigns of kidnapping.

Demilitarisation

Negotiations to begin a peace process with the ELN have stalled over the issue of demilitarised zone where talks would take place.

The FARC was granted its demand for a safe haven of 42,000 sq km at the end of 1998 as a precondition for peace negotiations.

Ten people selectively killed by gunmen

The BBC correspondent in Colombia says the FARC have abused the zone to build up their military strength, import arms, export drugs and recruit minors.

The correspondent says there are indications that a demilitarised zone for the ELN is set to be agreed but with markedly different conditions to that of the FARC.

Colombian police are investigating reports that suspected members of FARC carrying a hit list stalked through a southwestern hamlet on Thursday, and selectively killed 10 people.

Witnesses said four of the victims were summoned and shot at close range by the gunmen wearing camouflage uniforms.