Colombian rebel chief in Cuba for peace talks

A commander of rebel group Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) has reached Cuba for peace talks with the Colombian government.

As Joaquin Gomez, commander of FARC's Southern Bloc, is a fugitive wanted by the government, his travel arrangements were made "following all the established protocols" and with the authorisation of Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos," Xinhua quoted an official statement as saying.

The 67-year-old Gomez, whose given name is Milton de Jesus Toncel, is considered among the country's biggest drug traffickers.

He is also believed to be responsible for attacks on oil facilities in the country's southwestern department of Putumayo.

 

Gomez faces a 34-year prison term after a trial in absentia. He is also wanted by the US.

The State Department is offering a reward of up to $2.5 million for information leading to his arrest.

--Indo-Asian News Service

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