AP
Martha Catalina Daniels (1996 file photo)

A Colombian senator and two others trying to negotiate the release of rebel-held hostages have been shot dead by suspected leftist rebels. Police say the bodies of Senator Martha Catalina Daniels, her driver, and the wife of a businessman held by the rebels were found late Saturday in a ravine near Bogota.

All three had been shot in the head and their bodies apparently dragged to the spot near the capital where they were found.

Ms. Daniels was a member of the opposition Liberal Party. Officials blame Colombia's largest guerrilla group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, for the killings.

The second dead woman has been identified as Ana Medina. Her husband was kidnapped months ago.

The attack comes 10 days after President Andres Pastrana broke off peace talks with the FARC after the rebels hijacked an airliner and kidnapped a senator on board.

Following the collapse of the peace negotiations, the rebels intensified attacks against the country's infrastructure, including water sources, power and telephone lines.

The FARC is also holding presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt hostage. The guerrillas abducted Ms. Betancourt and her campaign manager as they recently attempted to travel to a town within a former rebel stronghold.

Some information for this report provided by AP.

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