News / Colombia

Colombia gov’t threatens to quit peace talks with FARC

Sunday, 05 July 2015 8:43 AM [ Last Update: Sunday, 05 July 2015 8:44 AM ]

Humberto De la Calle, the head of the Colombian delegation in the peace talks with FARC rebels, at the Convention Palace in Havana, May 21, 2015. (AFP photo)

Colombia has threatened to abandon negotiations with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) as the rebels have intensified their attacks across the country.

“The peace process is at its worst moment since we began talks... I want to tell the FARC in all seriousness, this could end. Someday, it’s probable that they won’t find us around the table in Havana,” Colombia’s peace negotiator Humberto De la Calle said.

He called on the FARC rebels to show more commitment in the talks.

He also said that the government would consider a bilateral ceasefire before a final agreement, if the rebels accepted judicial responsibility for their attacks and abstained from drug trade and extortion.

De la Calle has been leading the talks with the FARC rebels since 2012.

In recent weeks, the group has carried out a series of bomb attacks on oil pipelines along rivers, causing a serious environmental disaster, which has spread as far away as the Pacific coastline.

Clashes have intensified since a unilateral ceasefire declared by FARC fell apart last month.

Negotiations between the two sides have so far produced only partial agreements on several issues, including combating drug trafficking.

The Colombian military has also carried out airstrikes against FARC.

FARC is Latin America’s oldest rebel group and has been fighting the government since 1964. More than 200,000 people have been killed in clashes between the two sides.

SZH/KA/HJL

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk