Tamil Diplomat

Colombia president confirms to halt bombing raids against Farc rebels

Colombia is to halt bombing raids against Farc rebels for a month, President Juan Manuel Santos said, which is see  as a sign of progress in the country’s peace process. Mr Santos said the move was in recognition of the fact a unilateral ceasefire declared by Farc was holding. However he mentioned that operations against another guerrilla group – the National Liberation Army (ELN) will continue.

Colombia’s government and the Farc are holding peace talks in Cuba. “In order to start the de-escalation of the conflict, I have decided to order the minister of defence and armed forces commanders to stop bombing raids on Farc camps for a month,” President Santos said in televised address. He was critical of the smaller of Colombia’s rebel movements, the National Liberation Army, saying they had upped their activities.