FARC-EP Expects Advances in Peace Talks

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People’s Army (FARC-EP) is optimistic about the progress made in the current round of peace talks here with the Colombian government.

The FARC-EP reconfirmed its demand for agricultural reform in the country in response to the discussions on the land issue that have been at the center of talks during the last six months.

According to members of FARC-EP, the agricultural issue is key to putting an end to decades of armed conflict in Colombia, “where, everyday, territory intended for food production decreases in order to benefit the large cattle-raising estates or extractive economies.”

The peace talks seek to end the armed conflict in Colombia and have lasted six months so far, a process in which Cuba and Norway are acting as guarantors.

The agricultural issue has been at the center of the dialogue, with parties expecting to advance in the previously agreed upon six-topic agenda that also includes issues such as political participation, attention to victims and drug trafficking.