Colombia government, FARC continue discussions

Havana, Dec 3 (IANS/EFE) The negotiating teams of the Colombian government and the FARC guerrilla group have met in Havana to analyse how to resume the peace talks that have been suspended since last Nov 17, and for that purpose will meet again Wednesday.

The meeting of four hours Tuesday took place in an "atmosphere of cordiality and respect", though no decision was taken about a possible return to the negotiating table, officials close to the negotiation told Efe news agency.

Contacts "behind closed doors" are taking place in the exclusive El Laguito area, where diplomatic delegations stay when traveling to Havana, and not at the Convention Palace, the usual venue for peace talks.

Both parties in Havana are studying in what way talks can be resumed to make sure the peace process continues after going through a major crisis following the kidnapping of Gen. Ruben Dario Alzate and two other people, which led to the suspension of talks by Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos until they were freed.

A small delegation of the government team arrived Monday in Havana to renew contacts before restarting the conversations, the day after Gen. Alzate, Cpl. Rodriguez and attorney Gloria Urrego were released in Choco province.

Present in Havana is the Colombian government's chief negotiator, Humberto de la Calle, the high commissioner for peace, Jorge Humberto Mora of the army, and Oscar Naranjo of the police.

For its part, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) said Monday in a communique that the Colombian government cannot impose a date for restarting peace talks after suspending them, since it is necessary to "reset the rules of the game".

--IANS/EFE

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