FARC-EP Optimistic About Final Pact with Colombian Government

Bogota, Nov 11 (Prensa Latina) FARC-EP''s chief spokesperson, Iván Márquez affirmed today that the extraordinary effort made at the dialogue table with the Colombian government will soon be awarded with a definitive peace agreement.

Through his Twitter account, the commander of the guerrilla movement confirmed that both parties are working almost tirelessly to make adjustments to the pact signed last September 26th in Cartagena de Indias, which was then rejected in a referendum on October 2nd.

Both President Juan Manuel Santos and the highest representative of government negotiators, Humberto de la Calle, have admitted that the current phase of talks has not been free of tensions and difficult moments, but reiterated their confidence that the two teams will achieve a conclusive consensus to unlock the very advanced peace process.

After the 'no' result in the referendum, the president opened a national debate with those who had rejected the agreement with a view to modifying the historical document.

One of the thorniest issues is that of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP), under which courts would be required to investigate, prosecute and punish those responsible for the war, with the premises of zero impunity for crimes against humanity and benefits such as pardons and amnesties in cases of political and related crimes.