Farc rebels reach deal with Colombia on political role in country

[Judi Lynn]

Farc rebels reach deal with Colombia on political role in country

Farc leader Iván Márquez 'satisfied' with step towards conflict end as Havana peace talks pave way for political engagement

Reuters, in Bogota and Havana
theguardian.com, Wednesday 6 November 2013 14.51 EST

Colombia's government and members of Farc have reached a "fundamental agreement" on the rebels' role in the country's politics, according to a joint statement issued Wednesday.

Peace talks begun in 2012 between Farc and the government have aimed at ending nearly half a century of conflict, and the The leftist rebels' participation in politics is one of the thorniest issues to be addressed at the meetings in Cuba.

The Farc, also known as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, have been fighting the government in a jungle and urban conflict that has killed more than 200,000 people over nearly 50 years following their founding as a peasant movement seeking land reform.

The partial accord could now pave the way for Farc to enter Colombian politics. The government negotiator, Humberto de la Calle, said the deal could provide a "new democratic opening" and cement peace. "Never again politics and weapons together," he said.

More:
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/06/farc-deal-colombia-poltical-role-marquez

[Judi Lynn]

1. BBC News: Colombia agrees Farc political

6 November 2013 Last updated at 14:26 ET
Colombia agrees Farc political participation

Colombian Farc rebel leaders and government negotiators have agreed on a political future for the left-wing group should a peace deal be reached.

At the ongoing talks in Cuba, both sides agreed on guarantees, conditions and support for the creation of new political parties.

Colombia's largest rebel group and the government are yet to discuss another four items on the agenda.

The peace talks aim to end nearly 50 years of armed conflict.

More:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-24842432