Colombia president's cousin arrested over death squad probe

Bogota: The cousin of Columbian President Alvaro Uribe has been arrested after authorities investigated his suspected ties with outlawed paramilitary.

Mario Uribe, a former senator, was arrested on Tuesday and was taken to the attorney general's office in Bogota where he will face a probe into charges that he conspired with death squads.

The arrest edges the "para political" scandal closer to President Uribe as he fends off concerns about congressional stability.

More than 60 lawmakers are under investigation and half of those behind bars for suspected militia links.

"The arrest warrant for Sen. Mario Uribe hurts me, but it is a pain I will accept with patriotism and without avoiding the fulfilment of my responsibilities," the president said in a brief statement before his cousin's arrest.