Spy chief hails Colombia policy

Paramilitaries have taken part in demobilisation ceremonies

The head of Colombia's intelligence service has denied that right-wing paramilitaries are re-arming or joining the drug trade in large numbers.

The policy of dismantling paramilitary organisations had been a success, Das director Andres Penate told the BBC.

Analysts say the policy has contributed to President Alvaro Uribe's lead in polls ahead of elections on Sunday.

But rights groups accuse Mr Uribe of allowing paramilitaries guilty of atrocities off the hook.

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They say paramilitaries are serving only token jail sentences for crimes such as massacres, murders and drug-trafficking.

'Law and order'

In all, at least 26,000 members of the United Self-Defence Forces of Colombia (AUC) have disarmed under the scheme introduced by Mr Uribe - part of his "democratic security" policy.

"The policy has been a successful policy because it has restored law and order in many parts of the country. Through our negotiated solution [we have] been able to dismantle most of the paramilitary organisations," Mr Penate told the BBC's Newshour programme.

When somebody snorts cocaine in a fancy party in London or New York actually what he's doing is putting lots of money into the pockets of very nasty brutal men Andres Penate Das director Q&A: Colombia election

Rights groups, a number of news magazines and a former Das employee have alleged there is deep-rooted collusion between the security services and paramilitaries.

But Mr Penate denied this, saying that in fact the number of paramilitaries being put behind bars was increasing.

Mr Penate admitted some former paramilitaries had been demobilised only to go into criminal gangs associated with drug-trafficking, but he said the West had to bear part of the blame.

'London and New York parties'

"The fuel that keep terrorism going on in Colombia is the consumption of cocaine in the wealthiest part of the world," he said.

"When somebody snorts cocaine in a fancy party in London or New York actually what he's doing is putting lots of money into the pockets of very nasty brutal men.

"We have seen some of the former paramilitaries getting back into narco-trafficking. The order that we have from the president - the policy of the government - is to be totally strong against them and to apply the laws against them."

Polls suggest President Uribe commands 55% support ahead of Sunday's election. However his lead has been eroded in recent weeks and Mr Uribe will need to attract more than 50% if he is to avoid a run-off.

His closest rival is his former law professor at university, Carlos Gaviria, a leftist candidate whom polls suggest has the support of some 24% of the population.