HOLLYWOOD -- Elizabeth Taylor has broken her engagement to Mexican attorney Victor Luna and returned the 16 -carat sapphire ring he presented her a year ago.
Miss Taylor's New York publicist, Chen Sam, confirmed the actress' decision Thursday and said it was reached by mutual agreement.
'The couple remarked they will remain strong friends,' the publicist said.
She said Miss Taylor's decision to end the engagement was unrelated to the death of Richard Burton, who was married to and divorced Miss Taylor twice.
Reached by telephone at his law office in Guadalajara, Mexico, Luna said that the 'engagement that existed between us is no longer on.'
Their parting was 'absolutely' friendly, Luna said, adding that 'there was a possibility' they might renew their relationship in the future.
Miss Taylor has been married and divorced seven times, most recently to Sen. John Warner, R-Va.
The actress was in London at the time of Thursday's announcement, attending a memorial service for Burton.
