Colombian president woos community leaders

The Colombian president, Andres Pastrana, has met community leaders from the north of the country to address their concerns about creating a safe haven for left-wing rebels.

The government's chief negotiator Camilo Gomez said progress had been made and there'd be more talks.

Correspondents say Mr Pastrana will have a tough time persuading residents of the benefits of the demilitarised zone.

Critics say the rebels, of the National Liberation Army, will use the safe haven to build up their strength -- as happened in the south of the country with the main rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service