Pope Francis praises peace talks, plans visit
Colombians should come together and work for peace, Pope Francis said earlier this month of the government and Marxist FARC rebel negotiations in Havana, Cuba. Vatican officials said the Pontiff would visit Colombia, likely in early 2016.
Santos extends suspension of airstrikes for another month
On April 9, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos extended the suspension of airstrikes on FARC positions for an additional month. The president first suspended aerial assaults against the guerrillas for a month on March 11.
Obama voices support for peace talks at Summit
During the Summit of the Americas in Panama City, US President Barack Obama met with Colombian President Santos on April 11 and praised the advances in the peace talks. Obama lauded the progress and reiterated the US’ commitment to assist in the talks.
FARC: ‘We can’t be treated like common criminals’
The FARC guerrillas can’t be submitted to the same judicial processes as “common criminals” under a possible peace accord, the rebels said last Friday, April 10. “You cannot give treatment that was designed for criminal groups to rebels,” guerrilla negotiator Pablo Catatumbo said from Havana last week.