FARC-EP Deny Crisis in Peace Talks in Havana

The rebel Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People''s Army (FARC-EP) denied today the suspension of peace talks that are being held in Havana since 2012 with the government of Juan Manuel Santos.

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During a press conference in Palacio de las Convenciones in Havana, the guerrilla spokesman Carlos Antonio Lozada confirmed that the talks were not interrupted as recently reported Colombian media.

These newspapers based their information on an alleged statement written by FARC-EP leader, Timoleon Jimenez, who expresses concern about the lack of progress on the issue of the concentration zones (where the FARC-EP will demobilize in the event of a peace deal).

It was an internal circular issued by the commander in chief of the FARC-EP regarding the situation arising from the presentation of a document by the government delegation, which practically rejects the progress achieved in this issue concerning the ceasefire and the cessation of hostilities, Lozada explained.

He also acknowledged that, given the situation, the discussions on that issue in the technical subcommittee have been affected, but never stopped.

He condemned that the government delegation has tried to impose their vision, and insisted that the agreements must have bilateral nature.

He also pointed out that it is not a question of negotiating an unconditional surrender of the insurgency, but to reach a consensus in a peace process.