The Colombian president, Andres Pastrana, has been leading tributes to his former defence minister, Rodrigo Lloreda, who died early on Thursday of cancer.

Mr Pastrana said that Colombia had lost an important leader who would be remembered for his efforts to achieve peace, development and social justice.

Ironically it was over peace talks with the country's left-wing rebels that both men fell out.

Mr Lloreda resigned last May after accusing Mr Pastrana of making too many concessions to the guerrillas.

Resignations by a number of army commanders were to follow.

Mr Lloreda had a distinguished career in politics and the diplomatic service and was owner of one of Colombia's most important regional newspapers, El Pais.

He will be buried on Friday.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service