The Colombian President, Ernesto Samper, has announced the appointment of new transport and labour ministers as part of a cabinet reshuffle.

Speaking on Colombian television, Mr Samper said Colombia's ambassador in Madrid, Rodrigo Marin Bernal, would become transport minister, and the ambassador in Vienna, Carlos Bula, would take on the labour ministry.

Media reports in Colombia say the changes will be announced officially when the cabinet meets next week.

Correspondents say the two ambassadors were staunch defenders of Mr Samper during the political crisis sparked by allegations that Mr Samper's 1994 election campaign had been paid for by donations from members of the Cali drugs cartel.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
 

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