A Colombian senator has been murdered and her body discovered outside the capital, Bogota.

Police officials say the bodies of Senator Martha Catalina Daniels, her driver and another woman were found late Saturday near the town of Zipacon, about 40 kilometers outside of Bogota. All three were shot in the head.

Ms. Daniels was a member of the opposition Liberal Party, but was not due to stand for re-election in national parliamentary balloting scheduled for next Sunday.

Officials say they have no immediate motive for the attack.

The slaying comes 10 days after President Andres Pastrana broke off peace talks with FARC rebels. Mr. Pastrana made the move after the rebels hijacked an airliner and kidnapped a senator.

Since then, the rebels have stepped up attacks against the country's infrastructure, including power lines, telephone lines and water sources. The FARC also has kidnapped and is holding hostage presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, who tried to enter a former rebel safe haven.

Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.

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