“This is a very good day,” said Norwegian Foreign Minister Børge Brende after confirmation of what he called another “breakthrough” in long-running peace talks that Norway helped organize between Colombian guerrilla group FARC and the Colombian government.
The two sides agreed that FARC will get political representation in Colombia in the form of its own party. That’s been one of the most important points in the talks that started in Oslo a year ago and since have been going on in Havana, Cuba. The two sides have also agreed on land reform but are still talking about a ceasefire and rights for the victims of 50 years of violence.
Brende told newspaper Dagsavisen that the political breakthrough was important “not least for millions of dislocated persons” and those who have lost relatives or been injured during the long-running guerrilla war. “Given what can be achieved in the future if there’s lasting peace in Colombia, this is the beginning of an historic process,” Brende said.
The participants thanked Norway and Cuba for facilitating the talks. “We’ve had some very good diplomats who have worked on this for many years,” Brende said, noting that both sides had asked the Norwegians to contribute to the talks.
newsinenglish.no staff
