REBELS SUSPEND TALKS, PROTEST ANTI-DRUG EFFORTS

Colombia's second-largest guerrilla group has suspended discussions with
the government in apparent protest of a U.S.-backed military operation to
wipe out drug crops. Peace advocates urged them to resume talks Sunday.

The National Liberation Army, which has been fighting the government for
more than three decades, broke off discussions Friday that were aimed at
beginning formal peace negotiations, the official government news agency
ANCOL reported Saturday.

Gomez said rebel commander Pablo Beltran sent him a message breaking off
talks by e-mail late Friday. Although its exact content wasn't revealed, it
is believed the group was protesting a military offensive to clear the way
for U.S.-backed aerial fumigations of coca fields in Bolivar state.