Columbia Conflict Continues

According to reports on 2 October 2006, leaders of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebel group have sent a letter to the Colombian government, in which they express their willingness to initiate peace talks. The rebels, however, stated that the talks would begin once the swap of kidnap victims for jailed rebels takes place and once the government demilitarizes the municipalities of Florida and Pradera, both located in the Valle del Cauca department, as well as the departments of Caqueta and Putumayo. Other conditions requested to begin the talks include the discussion of a free trade agreement and an extradition treaty with the United States and the purge of the military, among other issues. Although the FARC has expressed its willingness to engage in peace talks, the government is not likely to cede to all of the group's demands, which is why it is unlikely that the 42-year conflict will be resolved in the near future.

Russia/Georgia Conflict

Russia reportedly ordered the closure of all transport links with Georgia -- including air, rail, road and sea links, as well as postal service -- for an unspecified period of time on 2 October 2006 in the latest escalation of a dispute between the two countries that began with the arrests of several Russian military officers on 27 September for charges of espionage. Air traffic will reportedly cease on 3 October, while it is not known when the other closures will take effect. Meanwhile, in an apparent effort to decrease tensions, Georgia stated on 2 October that it would hand over the four Russian officers it has in its custody to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The OSCE has stated it will return the officers to Moscow.