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Colombian gov't, FARC rebels begin negotiations on disarmament

Xinhua, January 22, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Colombian government and the FARC guerrilla group began talks here on Thursday to discuss the dismantling of right-wing paramilitary forces in Colombia, something FARC considers the largest obstacle to lasting peace.

"It is difficult for FARC to view its transition from an armed organization to a legitimate political movement without having certain guarantees," said Pablo Catatumbo, chief negotiator of the leftist rebel group.

FARC, which includes around 7,000 members, is calling for guarantees that enemy paramilitary groups no longer be a threat and assassinate activists or left-wing politicians, as has happened during Columbia's civil war.

"Sadly, we must point out that since these peace talks began, the activities of paramilitary groups have increased," Catatumbo said.

The group's leading committee also said it would accept a UN mission of Latin American envoys to supervise its disarmament and a definitive ceasefire in Colombia, once a final peace agreement is signed. Endi