Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos on Monday announced that formal peace talks with the FARC will begin “in the coming weeks.”
While speaking before press in the presidential palace, Santos said, “Before us we have the challenge to accompany the process that should begin in a few weeks to seek peace in this country, a process which without a doubt will be difficult, but if we don’t propose to advance I am certain that’s it.”
Santos, while officially inaugurating six new ministers, called on his cabinet and the Colombian people to take part in the peace process.
“This requires the participation of all members of the cabinet, of all members of government and of all Colombians,” said the president.
Following the announcement and the inauguration ceremony, Santos met with former vice-President Humberto de la Calle who reportedly will be the government’s representative in the negotiations with the country’s oldest rebel group.
Earlier in the day, FARC leader “Timochenko” confirmed his 48-year-old guerrilla organization would take part in peace talks. The country’s second largest rebel group, the ELN, has also expressed interest in talking peace, but have not yet set an agenda with the government.