The Colombian government and the country’s biggest rebel group have reached a deal on land reform – one of their main bones of contention – after months of slow-moving peace talks in Cuba’s capital.

The leader of Colombia's main rebel group, Alfonso Cano, has been killed in combat hours after his nearby camp was bombed, authorities have said.

France has asked Venezuela for help with a hurried mission to free an ailing hostage held by Colombian rebels, but President Hugo Chavez says he is powerless until Colombia and the US stop hunting a rebel leader.