Three Guatemalan army officers accused of involvement in the murder of a prominent bishop two years ago have told a judge they are innocent.

The statements came during a pre-trial hearing in Guatemala City into the killing of the bishop, Juan Gerardi.

Bishop Gerardi was battered to death after releasing a report accusing the military of atrocities during the country's thirty-six year civil war.

The bishop's cook and and the Roman Catholic priest who discovered his body are also accused of involvement in the crime.

The new Guatemalan president, Alfonso Portillo, has pledged to solve the killing.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service