Peace Negotiations Begin Between Colombian Government and FARC Rebels
Colombia took a significant step towards peace as the government initiated talks with the Segunda Marquetalia, a dissident faction of the former FARC guerrillas, in Caracas, Venezuela. Led by President Gustavo Petro, the negotiations aim to end the long-standing armed conflict in the country.
The opening ceremony in Caracas included seven government delegates and seven rebel leaders, led by Ivan Marquez, a former FARC negotiator. Marquez expressed the group’s commitment to contributing to peace in Colombia.
The Segunda Marquetalia was formed in 2019 by Marquez and other former FARC members in response to the government’s alleged failures in honoring the 2016 Havana peace agreement. The group, involved in illegal activities like drug trafficking, has around 1,800 to 2,000 members.
Under the Total Peace project, the Colombian government continues its efforts to pacify the country and negotiate with armed groups. These negotiations mark the third attempt by the government to seek peace through dialogue.
Source: Anadolu Agency