Peace talks with FARC going well: Colombian president

Bogota, Dec 12 (IANS/EFE) Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos has said that his government's talks with the leftist rebels of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in Cuba were going in the right direction, following their resumption after the dialogue was suspended last month.

Santos made the declaration to reporters Thursday after taking part in the panel discussion, "Future of the Americas," organised by the Clinton Foundation in Miami.

"We had a meeting with the FARC yesterday. Today I believe they are continuing to look for a way to push the negotiations. We are going in the right direction," Santos said.

The peace talks, which began two years ago, were suspended by Santos Nov 17 following the kidnapping of Gen. Ruben Dario Alzate and two companions by FARC rebels who released them Nov 30, allowing the talks to resume Thursday in Havana.

Santos also reiterated his desire to see the peace negotiations conclude as soon as possible because it would help to save many lives and prevent much suffering.

As for negotiations with the guerrilla outfit, the National Liberation Army (ELN), with whom the government has sought to initiate a similar dialogue like the one with the FARC, the president said that there had been no progress yet.

The Peace Commission of the Colombian Congress and members of the civil society called Wednesday for the government and the ELN to sit at the negotiating table as soon as possible so that the country can finally enjoy full and lasting peace.

--IANS/EFE

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