Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos has taken the first step to suspend the arrest warrants against FARC’s spokesmen just days before peace talks are expected to begin, reported local media Tuesday.
Santos recently sent “Resolution 339” to Colombia’s Prosecutor General and the National Police. The executive decree would suspend the outstanding arrest warrants against several high profile FARC representatives, such as Rodrigo Granda, due to arrive in Oslo this month for the much anticipated peace talks.
Once the decree comes into effect, authorities will be unable to detain the guerrilla representatives. The move was seen by the government as a necessary caveat to facilitate the peace process.
The peace talks were originally scheduled to begin on October 8, however have since been delayed. While all parties have not confirmed a new starting date, the negotiations are expected to commence by the end of the month.