Colombia gives militia ultimatum

Several AUC leaders have outstanding extradition orders

The Colombian government has warned the main paramilitary group it should demobilise as agreed or face the army.

The right-wing United Self Defence Forces of Colombia (AUC) was due to disarm by the end of the year.

It suspended the process in a row over the possible extradition of a commander to the US for alleged drug trafficking.

A top AUC leader said the group was surprised by the government's move, and that there was no longer time for the paramilitaries to meet the deadline.

But the leader, known as Ernesto Baez, said the group would still assess the announcement in more detail.

He said the AUC had not pulled out of peace talks, but had suspended them to take stock of the situation.

"The process continues, despite all the difficulties," he said in an interview with RCN radio.

Timetable

Last week, the AUC suggested that it would need more time to demobilise fully.

But the Colombian High Peace Commissioner, Luis Carlos Restrepo, said that the government would not extend the timetable agreed with the paramilitary group.

He also warned militia leaders that they would not be allowed to engage in politics before they lay down their arms.

There is no valid reason for the demobilisation of these groups to be halted Luis Carlos Restrepo, Colombian High Peace Commissioner

"There is no valid reason for the demobilisation of these groups to be halted. Anyone who refuses to disarm voluntarily will face military action," Mr Restrepo said.

Over 11,000 paramilitaries have already laid down arms in return for a government amnesty.

Under the terms of the controversial two-year peace process, those who have committed crimes face reduced prison terms.

Several AUC leaders have outstanding orders for their extradition to the United States on charges of human rights abuses or drug trafficking.

The government hopes that by the end of the year, all 19,000 members of the AUC will have disarmed.

Tens of thousands of civilians are known to have died during Colombia's 40-year civil conflict, involving left-wing rebels, right-wing paramilitaries and state forces.