Colombian Rebels Call on Public for Ideas to End the Conflict

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) is calling on Colombian citizens to take part in the peace process by presenting ideas and initiatives on how to end the armed conflict in the country.

Pastor Alape, a member of the FARC negotiating team at the current peace talks in Havana, Cuba, urged the government Monday to organize forums across the country where citizens can present their ideas. The forums would be created in collaboration with the Thought Center of the National University and the United Nations body in Colombia.

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The request comes as the FARC and the Colombian government continue their peace negotiations and appear to be closer than ever to reaching a deal to end the over 50 years of armed conflict. Last month, the delegations from the government and the FARC signed an historic agreement regarding transitional justice.

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Alape reiterated Monday that the agreement signed Sept. 23 is “unchangeable” but added that some issues are “in need of further development”. This includes the issue of amnesty and the election of judges – aspects that “we must build,” said Alape.

The delegates of the FARC condemned the Colombian government’s attempt to try to “replace” the original text of the agreement on transitional justice with a simple “press release” containing its basic points.

The full text of the agreement will be published when approved by both parties at the negotiating table in Havana, said Alape.