Colombian Government, Rebels Set Peace Talks
After months of delays, the government and leftist rebels will begin peace talks next weekend in hopes of ending Colombia’s 35-year civil conflict, the two sides said Saturday.
The talks will begin Oct. 24 in Uribe, one of five southern towns that have lived under open rebel rule since President Andres Pastrana cleared out his troops before the ceremonial inauguration of the peace process in January.
Citizen peace groups have set the same date for nationwide marches to demand a cease-fire, an end to violence against civilians and the initiation of formal talks.
The conflict has claimed at least 30,000 lives.
In their joint statement Saturday, the government and the rebel Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia said they were ready to begin discussions on reforms to attack the country’s endemic poverty and political corruption.
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