Colombians elect Uribe as president

Hard-liner Alvaro Uribe has been elected president of Colombia in a landslide victory.

Commentators say it shows Colombians are willing to fight to crush a long-running rebel insurgency.

In a speech to supporters, Mr Uribe's closest challenger, former interior minister Horacio Serpa, conceded defeat.

He stated: "I accept defeat and declare that Alvaro Uribe Velez was declared president of Colombians."

With 98% of the votes counted, national election officials say Mr Uribe is leading with 52.8%, compared to 31.8% for Mr Serpa.