Following three days of rest, the Colombian government and the country’s largest guerrilla group, FARC, on Wednesday began a month-long dialogue as they attempt to push the peace process along.
Agricultural reform remained on top of the agenda as negotiators reconvened in the Palace of Conventions in Havana, Cuba.
FARC negotiator Seuxis Paucias Hernandez, alias “Jesus Santrich” told reporters that there has been “good discussion [held] at a respectful pace.” The FARC leader said both sides are reviewing the proposals citizens submitted at a series of public forums.
Regional leaders, non-governmental organizations, international agencies and government officials, as well as representatives of land owners and farmers attended a series of public forums that gave citizens the opportunity to get involved in the peace process.
Despite concerns from certain groups, in particular representatives of land owners, FARC announced that it was “delighted” with the proposals.
FARC also praised the media’s coverage of the peace negotiations thus far, stating that reports have been “objective” and that the media has also “made contributions.”