BBC News Online: World: Americas

Colombian investigation into coup plot

The Colombian authorities have announced an immediate investigation, after a retired army colonel said he had plotted to overthrow President Ernesto Samper at the height of a political scandal in 1995.

The Interior Minister, Alfonso Lopez, said action would be taken if evidence emerged of any illegal actions.

The former colonel, Carlos Alfonso Velasquez, said he and his men planned to seize President Samper during a visit to an army base and send him into exile in Panama.

The attempt was called off when a general arrived unexpectedly.At the time, Mr Samper was embroiled in allegations that a drug cartel had contributed to his election campaign.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service