On May 27, the governments of Cuba and Norway, guarantor nations to the peace talks taking place between the Colombian government and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People’s Army (FARC-EP) in Havana, expressed their “deep concern” over the “current escalation of the armed conflict” in the South American nation.
Guarantor representatives Rodolfo Benítez and Dag Nylander also expressed regret over the deaths caused by the conflict.
According to the statement read out at the Havana Convention Center, site of the peace talks, “Progress made at the table, and the important agreements on three points of the conversations agenda, must be preserved.”
The text highlights, ”The escalation of violent actions also puts at risk the practical actions which have been implemented to reduce the conflict and increase trust, such as those relating to clearing areas of landmines, unexploded munitions and military debris.”
Cuba and Norway called on both parties to “maintain their efforts to continue advancing in discussions on pending issues, including the adoption of an agreement for a definitive bilateral ceasefire and end to hostilities.”
The guarantor countries also reiterated “their total willingness to continue contributing in every possible way to advancing the conversations and moving toward the adoption of a definitive agreement to end the Colombian conflict and the construction of stable and lasting peace in Colombia.”
On the morning of May 27, FARC-EP called for the de-escalation of the conflict, while condemning a government air-strike against the guerillas on May 21.
”We must end this turmoil in order to give the Colombian people a brighter future, allowing us to advance, free of obstacles, on the path toward a final agreement,” highlighted the statement read to the press.
FARC-EP spokesman, Pastor Alape, also reported the deaths of 27 guerillas in the recent attack, the majority as a result of the aerialbombing, and demanded justice and an investigation into the incident.
Among the victims was Jairo Martínez, a member of the FARC-EP delegation to the Peace Talks in Havana.
