Brussels, 19/10/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 18 October, the socialist and democrat (S&D) group at the European Parliament welcomed the beginning of peace talks in Norway between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Saying that “a window of hope has been opened”, the leader of the S&D Group, Hannes Swoboda, congratulated the Colombian government's offer to invite the FARC to participate in political life as soon as it abandons its weapons. “We call on the FARC to stop any violence (…) and to put an end to so much suffering”, he said.
Swoboda added that “generosity will be required” on both sides, as well as “the active participation of Colombian civil society” in the process, “as a way to heal the wounds and lay the foundations for lasting peace”. He hopes that the National Liberation Army (ELN) will join the talks, as “any agreement without this armed group would be incomplete”.
Swoboda said that the EU will follow progress in the discussions closely. They will address the first of the negotiating points (rural development) in Cuba starting in mid November.
The talks will focus on rural development, the participation in political life of the future formations after the rebellion, the definitive end to hostilities, drug trafficking and the situation of victims. These negotiations are the fourth attempt at peace in 30 years. (CG/transl.fl)