Diplomats visit detained westerners in Belgrade

British and Canadian diplomats in Belgrade have been able to visit for the first time their four nationals accused of spying and plotting terrorist acts against Yugoslavia.

The men, who were arrested nine days ago in Montenegro, were reported to be well and have sent messages to their families.

Defence lawyers said the investigating judge is about half-way through his work and they expressed optimism that there could be a positive outcome for their clients.

The four men -- two British and two Candadian -- say they were on holiday in Montenegro from their work with the western forces in Kosovo.

They deny the charges against them.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service