BOGOTA, (Reuters) – Colombia’s Marxist FARC rebels have declared an indefinite unilateral ceasefire beginning on Dec. 20 but promised to call it off if they come under attack by government forces, the group said on its website yesterday.
The government has refused the FARC’s demand for a two-way truce since the sides began peace talks in Cuba in late 2012, casting doubt on the viability of the rebel ceasefire if the government does not reciprocate.
“We have resolved to declare a unilateral ceasefire and end to hostilities for an indefinite time, which should transform into an armistice,” the FARC, or Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, said.
The group has declared temporary ceasefires during the past two Christmases and it halted combat operations during this year’s elections, but has not called an indefinite ceasefire since the current talks began.
