2nd LD Writethru: Colombian gov't, FARC rebels reach agreement to remove landmines

The Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels agreed on Saturday to remove landmines in the country's rural areas affected by a half-century war between the two sides.

The accord on landmines marked the end of the 33rd round of peace talks between the Colombian government and the FARC rebels, after the two sides started talks in Havana in November 2012, with the support of Cuba and Norway, and the "accompaniment" of Chile and Venezuela.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos said the agreement is a "new and decisive step in the de-escalation of the armed conflict," according to a statement read out here by Humberto de la Calle, who led the Colombian government delegation at the peace talks in Havana.

"Our main target of these conversations is to put an end to the conflict, and to avoid future victims in our country. For that reason the proposal to clear landmines is a first step, but a giant step toward peace," the statement said.

In previous talks, the two sides have reached agreements on issues of drugs, agrarian reform and the political participation of the rebels.

Colombia is among countries with a large number of landmines planted in its territory, as a result of the five-decade civil war.

Since 1990, around 11,000 people have been killed or injured by landmines in the country, including 1,101 children, according to figures released by the Colombian authorities. Endi