The judge deciding the fate of three IRA-linked men accused of training Colombian rebels in terrorist tactics has said he cannot make a ruling in the case until the end of the year – or even the beginning of 2004.

Traces of explosives and cocaine found by US Embassy officials on the belongings of three Irish men accused of training FARC rebels in Colombia were invalid, a defence lawyer said at their terrorism trial in Colombia.

TRACES of explosives and cocaine found by US Embassy officials on the belongings of three men linked to the IRA are invalid, a defence lawyer said at their terrorism trial in Colombia yesterday.

Three Irishmen linked to the IRA and accused of training Colombian rebels told a judge they were only observing a now-defunct peace process in the South American country.

Three Irishmen linked to the IRA and accused of training Colombian rebels told a judge today were only observing a now-defunct peace process in the South American country.

Protected by at least 30 armed prison guards, three IRA-linked Irishmen accused of training Colombian rebels in terror tactics were rushed into a court today to give evidence in their defence.

Three Irishmen accused of training Colombian rebels are expected to testify today, in their first court appearance since the trial against them began nine months ago.

Colombia rebels have technology they could only have obtained from abroad, it was claimed last night as three suspected IRA members went on trial accused of training the Marxist guerillas in terrorist tactics.

THE IRA is linked to two detailed explosive manuals found in the possession of Marxist rebels in Colombia, a army major yesterday told the trial of three alleged IRA men accused of training the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.

A Colombian judge has formally handed over the government’s charges against three Irish men accused of training Colombian rebels.