Colombian government, FARC to open talks on cease-fire
( 2002-02-13 14:50) (8)
The Colombian government and the country's largest guerrilla group the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) will open crucial talks on Wednesday in an effort to reach a cease-fire between the two warring sides.
However, the talks were overshadowed by an attack on a military post in the southern province of Huila on Monday, in which at least 10 soldiers were killed and 45 others injured. The Colombian authorities blamed the attack on the FARC.
The talks were also shrouded by skepticism over their results as the government and the 16,500-strong FARC are committed to reaching a truce, including a cease-fire and an end to hostilities before April 7.
The FARC demands that the government of President Andres Pastrana effectively fight against right-wing paramilitary groups which are their sworn enemies during the 38-year civil war, pull out foreign military advisers, suspend the anti-drug Plan Colombia and grant subsidies to unemployed people.
The FARC claimed that the US-backed Plan Colombia, more than aiming at fighting drug trafficking, is targeted at the guerrilla group as well.
However, the demands were dismissed as a maneuver to entangle the peace process aimed at bringing an end to the armed conflicts in Colombia.
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