The festive season in Colombia could mark the beginning of “reunion and love” as a citizens’ initiative attempts the government and the FARC to agree on a month-long ceasefire.
REDEPAZ, a citizens’ initiative that aims to promote “a culture of peaceful conflict resolution” throughout Colombia, urged the government and the country’s main guerrilla group, the FARC, to agree on a ceasefire from December 15 to January 15 in an aim to create time for reflection.
The government and the FARC are currently engaged in peace talks but have not yet agreed on any kind of ceasefire while engaged in dialogue.
The organization thinks the ceasefire would be “a show of love for the life of each and every one of the citizens of Colombia, to show respect and consideration to the religious and cultural beliefs and as an example of confidence and desire to advance along the path of reconciliation, agreeing a truce in military operations and armed confrontation,” labeling the initiative as the beginning of ”reunion and love”.
Peace would see the end of a 50 year battle for power between the government and the far?left rebels and REDEPAZ believes they have the answer, simply giving those fighting time to reflect.
Several congressmen have expressed support for the proposition considering it as a gestrue of trust and agreeing with the proposal would be a good way to start peace talks in Havana.
“The ceasefire between Dec. 15 and Jan. 15 would show willingness of the parties to end the conflict, hopefully no one died in December, which is necessary to support the second phase of the process,” said Angela Maria Robledo, co-chair of the committee.
