Colombia Paramilitary Leaders End Peace Talks

Jailed paramilitary leaders in Colombia have cut off peace talks with the government after they were transferred to a maximum security prison.

Jailed paramilitary leaders in Colombia have cut off peace talks with the government after they were transferred to a maximum security prison.

Officials ordered the transfer of the 59 men earlier this month because of reports that the men were planning a jail break.

President Alvaro Uribe also accused the jailed leaders of ordering the killings of two paramilitary commanders.

Negotiator from the Organization of American States, Sergio Caramagna said Thursday the peace process between the government and paramilitaries has reached a crisis.

Under the process, paramilitary leaders, of the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia have agreed to serve prison terms, and some 30,000 fighters have laid down weapons.

Paramilitary fighters are linked to serious human rights violations during decades of fighting.

Leftist rebels in Colombia have rejected peace talks with the government.

By VOA News