Plot 'to kill Paraguay president'

The president's life may be under threat from six hired killers

The Paraguayan authorities say they have uncovered a plot to kill President Nicanor Duarte Frutos.

According to Brazilian and Paraguayan intelligence services reports, six hired killers had entered Paraguay to assassinate the president.

The authorities did not say who may have hired the killers, who are thought to have surface-to-air missiles.

Mr Duarte's whereabouts are unknown, with some reports saying he is still in Brazil and others saying he has left.

Tight security

Initial reports said the president returned to Paraguay on Sunday from a holiday in Brazil.

His plane was re-routed to the airport at Ciudad del Este on the border with Argentina and Brazil after the authorities received reports of the assassination threat, those reports said.

The president's road route from Ciudad del Este to the capital, Asuncion, was kept secret.

From Tuesday Mr Duarte will continue with his planned activities, but he will be under tight security.

Local press reports suggest that the security precautions may have been extended to members of Mr Duarte's family.