Colombian rebels say talks with gov't enter final stage

The Armed Revolutionary Forces of Colombia (FACR) guerrilla group said here on Saturday peace talks with the government have entered their final stretch.

"As we close talks on the matter of the victims (of the fighting and compensation), we have built the stage for analyzing the topic of the end of the conflict," rebel spokesman Sergio Ibanez said.

Ibanez read the FARC communique to reporters before the start of the day's round of talks in Havana, which has hosted the two sides since negotiations began in November 2012.

The talks have to date focused on some five core issues or demands put forward by both sides, including getting the government to pledge to promote rural development and the rebels to sever ties with drug trafficking, a source of financing for their movement.

Negotiators also spent much time in discussions to "build trust, scale back the fighting and formulate proposals" to further the peace talks, said Ibanez.

The FARC has called for a national debate starting Monday on its proposals for laying down arms, declaring a bilateral ceasefire and transitioning into a political party, moves that would mark a definitive end to Latin America's longest-running civil war.

In the next few days, the two sides are expected to announce the details of their agreements on compensation for the victims of the fighting, which has claimed the lives of some 220,000 people and driven another 6 million from their homes. Endi