The FARC announced that they will not enter into a peace dialogue with the government until U.S. troops stationed around Colombia leave and Colombian President Alvaro Uribe stops calling them terrorists.
“We are ready to start a discussion with the State on the economy, on social policy and doctrine,” the FARC announced via the Anncol website.
“If we are going to talk of peace, the north american troops must leave the country,” the statement reads, referencing the controversial presence of the U.S. on seven military bases around the country.
The guerrilla organization also they are prepared to meet with the government to discuss hostage exchange policy.
Uribe has reiterated many times that he is not prepared to negotiate hostage exchanges with the FARC. The Colombian president also maintains the government will not enter into peace negotiations with the FARC until the guerrilla group voluntarily demonstrates a desire for peace.