Colombia militia 'plotted to kill candidate'

The authorities in Colombia say right-wing paramilitaries had been plotting to kill a leftist presidential candidate, Luis Eduardo Garzon, during the launch of his campaign last week.

The interior minister, Armando Estrada, said the plan was uncovered by the country's intelligence services and Mr Garzon was warned of the risk, but he decided to go ahead with the launch anyway.

Mr Estrada said the authorities would reinforce the security measures for all candidates. Colombians go to the polls next March to elect a successor to president Andres Pastrana.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service