Mediators concerned about Colombia govt.-FARC talks
Cuban and Norwegian mediators have expressed concern about the peace process between the Colombian government and FARC rebels following an escalation in violence between the two sides.
Rodolfo Benitez from Cuba and Norwegian Dag Nylander, who are guarantors in the Colombian peace talks, read a statement in the Cuban capital city, Havana, expressing concerns about the position of both countries in relation to the Colombian peace negotiations.
Both Cuba and Norway are acting as guarantors for the ongoing peace talks between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, who are commonly referred to as FARC (short for their Spanish name, Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia).
The observers believe the affairs overshadowing the peace deal between the government of President Juan Manuel Santos and the FARC are adversely impacting the talks.
Talks between the negotiating sides resumed on Monday in the Cuban capital city Havana amid escalating tensions.
Santos on Wednesday told his army to be prepared for conflict. His warning came after FARC decided to drop the unilateral ceasefire declared by the rebels after government forces killed at least 26 of its fighters last week.
“Don’t let your guard down,” Santos said addressing a military ceremony, adding, “We are passing through a storm.”
In recent days, government forces have intensified military operations against the FARC.
So far, some 40 rebels have been killed in renewed bombings.
Apart from calling off the unilateral ceasefire, the FARC also briefly broke off the talks in protest to the attacks.
Despite the two sides’ rhetoric, which might suggest a lack of progress, the two sides have already agreed on a number of key issues concerning the peace process, including a land reform demanded by FARC. For their part, the rebels have agreed to stop the illegal drug trafficking in areas under their influence.
The other key issues remain yet to be resolved, including FARC’s disarmament, the rights of the victims of the conflict and the overall sketch of how the peace process is to be implemented.
XLS/HJL/GHN
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