Talks resume to free second Italian hostage in India

Talks between Maoist rebels and Indian authorities resumed on Monday to free the second of two Italians abducted in the eastern state of Orissa after the first was released unharmed by the guerrillas over the weekend.

Claudio Colangelo was taken hostage with tour guide Paolo Bosusco on March 14, in what is believed to be the first time the rebels have targeted foreigners. He was released to a group of reporters on Sunday.

Maoists say the Italians were kidnapped after they were spotted taking photos of indigenous tribal women bathing in a river in the state's Kandhamal district, an allegation Colangelo denied after his release.

"Yes, we have resumed the negotiations for the release of the Italian," a senior state official told Reuters. The official is taking part in the negotiations, but did not wish to be identified.

Colangelo's release came a day after talks between the government and rebel-nominated negotiators collapsed. On Saturday, suspected Maoists kidnapped an Orissa state politician, adding to the tension.

Among the Maoists' demands are a ban on tourists -- Indian or foreign -- in tribal areas and a halt in operations by government forces against the rebels.