Huge bomb deactivated in Colombia

Police in Colombia have deactivated a massive bomb in the southern town of Florencia which was discovered a few hours before a visit by the Colombian President, Andres Pastrana.

Mr Pastrana said that the device - containing about 200 kilos of explosives - was a clear attempt to prevent him travelling to Florencia - but the visit went ahead as planned.

Mr Pastrana insisted that he would continue to govern as normal until 7 August when he hands over power to the President-elect Alvaro Uribe.

Colombian officials believe the bomb in Florencia was planted by left-wing guerrillas.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service