The preparatory meeting to settle logistical issues for the peace talks between the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People’s Army (FARC-EP) and the Colombian government began here Tuesday.
Representatives of both parties define, in camera, technical aspects to install the formal talks on Nov 15 in Havana.
This meeting was originally scheduled for Monday as agreed on Oct 18 in Oslo, Norway but was postponed to Tuesday, the guerrilla group told Prensa Latina.
On Friday, the FARC-EP ratified to Prensa Latina its commitment to meeting the agenda for this dialogue that seeks a change to Colombia and whose base, according to the FARC, is the eradication of the root causes of the armed conflict.
After six months of exploratory talks, the Government of Colombia and the FARC-EP in August signed in Havana the “General Agreement for the termination of the conflict and the construction of a stable and lasting peace” which is a five-point agenda .
The first point refers to more access to land and a more equitable distribution of profits.
The second one, to the rights and guarantees for the exercise of the political opposition and civic participation.
The third point would be the very end of the armed conflict, including the surrender of weapons and integrating the guerrillas into civilian life.
The fight against drug trafficking would be the fourth point, and the fifth one relates to the rights of victims and involves clarification of what happened during the nearly 50 years of armed conflict.
The FARC-EP insist that all Colombians should be part of this new effort to achieve peace in the country.
Cuba, permanent headquarters of the dialogue and Norway are guarantors of the process while Chile and Venezuela serve as observers.
