Rebel forces break off peace talks

Bogota - Colombia's second-largest rebel group said yesterday it was breaking off talks with the government, throwing the faltering…

Bogota - Colombia's second-largest rebel group said yesterday it was breaking off talks with the government, throwing the faltering peace process into deeper confusion.

Mr Nicolas Rodriguez, leader of the National Liberation Army, said he may even wait until the next government, not due to take office until 2002, to resume negotiations to end the war that has claimed more than 35,000 lives in just 10 years.

The larger Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) has also suspended talks with President Andres Pastrana.