Colombia's FARC rebel group is meeting with the country's last active insurgent force to support government efforts for a "complete peace" after a half-century conflict, their leaders said Tuesday.
The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) signed a peace accord with the government last year and is in the process of disarming, while the ELN started peace negotiations in February.
The two leftist groups published photographs and messages on Twitter showing that their leaders had started government-backed talks in Havana.
"In open dialogue with our companions of the ELN. Dreaming of complete peace for Colombia," wrote one of the FARC commanders, Pastor Alape.
The FARC has started disarming under UN supervision as part of last year's accord.
The government's negotiations with the smaller ELN are at a much earlier stage. The group is accused of continuing kidnappings despite the negotiations.
Analysts warn reaching an accord with the ELN may be more complicated than the FARC deal, which was the fruit of four years of negotiations in the Cuban capital.
The Colombian conflict erupted in 1964 when the FARC and ELN took up arms for rural land rights.
It drew in various rebel and paramilitary forces and drug gangs as well as state forces.
The conflict has left at least 260,000 people dead, according to authorities.
Jordan, US launch major military exercises
Jordan and the United States kicked off annual military exercises Sunday known as "Eager Lion", with about 7,400 troops from more than 20 nations taking part, officials said.
US and Jordanian officials said the manoeuvres would include border security, cyber defence, and "command and control" exercises, to bolster coordination in response to threats including terrorism.
"Joint efforts an … read more
