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.