CUBA: Referendum proposal a sticking point in Havana talks between FARC and Colombian govt

Record ID: 349745

  • Title: CUBA: Referendum proposal a sticking point in Havana talks between FARC and Colombian govt
  • Date: 28th August 2013
  • Summary: HAVANA, CUBA (AUGUST 28, 2013) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF LEAD COLOMBIAN GOVERNMENT PEACE NEGOTIATOR, HUMBERTO DE LA CALLE, ARRIVING AT NEWS CONFERENCE JOURNALIST (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) LEAD COLOMBIAN GOVERNMENT PEACE NEGOTIATOR, HUMBERTO DE LA CALLE, SAYING: "The project makes sense under the tenets of expanding democracy. Holding a referendum the same day as the congressional
  • Embargoed: 12th September 2013 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Cuba
  • Country: Cuba
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVABL8Z4YGP3LUOYMYPFEU20FS48
  • Story Text: Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia on Wednesday (August 28) remained apart on how a possible peace deal would be endorsed as they look to end a half century of armed conflict.
    At the close of the latest round of talks, the two groups released a joint statement highlighting "advances" in reaching an agreement in terms of the second issue they have dealt which involves the future of the FARC in participating in the political process.
    Since negotiations began in November 2012 the feuding sides have only agreed on a partial plan for agrarian land reform, an important cornerstone in ending the conflict which has killed more than 200,000 and left millions displaced since breaking out in 1964.
    While the joint statement said advancements were being made it also acknowledged roadblocks and threats to the peace process.
    Over the past couple days the talks abruptly paused at the FARC's request after Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos proposed to Congress the holding of a referendum that would allow for a vote on an eventual peace deal.
    "The project makes sense under the tenets of expanding democracy. Holding a referendum the same day as the congressional elections assures better participation by citizens at the polls which in turn strengthens the political force and the legitimacy of the people's decision," lead government negotiator Humberto de la Calle said.
    The FARC, on the other hand came out against the referendum idea which lead FARC negotiator Ivan Marquez called "unfair" and instead appealed for a constituent assembly to verify any future deal.
    "There is a clear misunderstanding between the government and the FARC when it comes to addressing the mechanisms of the countersignature. For the Colombian government this mechanism is a referendum which we consider technically unfair for the reasons that we have just said in these remarks. The FARC proposes we convene the primary constituent to a National Constituent Assembly," Marquez said.
    The peace negotiations are scheduled to reconvene after a short break on September 9.
    The peace process has gone on despite continued violence after the government denied a proposed cease fire at the start of talks last year.
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