Obama knew about peace talks with FARC: Santos .

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Colombia Reports

Obama knew about peace talks with FARC: Santos .
Wednesday, 05 September 2012 12:34 Courtney Scott

Colombia President Juan Manuel Santos said Wednesday that United States President Barack Obama has known about exploratory dialogues with the FARC for several months, reported local media.

According to Caracol Radio, President Santos revealed that for several months the government of Obama has been aware of the negotiations that were recently officialized with Colombia's largest guerrilla group the FARC to end the country's nearly 50-year armed conflict.

"It is the finishing touch of a strategy and plan that we designed with the United States several years ago. They have always wanted peace here in Colombia and the message that we received from President Obama was very positive. He was aware of these approaches for many months, always supporting them, and even sent special emissaries on various occasions to speak with me about the subject," said Santos.

The declarations of the president were given during the naming of Carlos Urrutia as the new ambassador of Colombia in the United States.

Read more: http://colombiareports.com/colombia-news/news/25889-obama-knew-about-peace-talks-with-farc-santos.html

[Judi Lynn]

1. Colombia peace talks receive broad international support .

Colombia peace talks receive broad international support .
Wednesday, 05 September 2012 07:02 Joey O'Gorman

Leaders worldwide on Tuesday and Wednesday declareded their support for the announced peace negotiations between the Colombian government and the FARC.

The United States, The Catholic Church, the Organization of American States, the European Union and leaders worldwide welcomed the government's televised announcement of the beginning of peace negotiations which aim to put an end to nearly five decades of armed conflict.

One of the first pronunciations was from Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez, who on his Twitter account said: "We will accompany our Colombian brothers in their struggle to achieve peace. Like Simon Bolivar said: 'Peace is my door, peace is my everything'."

~snip~

Chile confirmed the appointment of the ambassador Milenko Skoknic as a collaborator in the process and said the country would do "everything in our power to help the process culminate in success, sealing the genuine friendship and esteem the Chilean people have for their Colombian brothers."

More:
http://colombiareports.com/colombia-news/news/25879-colombia-peace-talks-receive-international-support.html

[Judi Lynn]

2. Norway welcomes Colombian peace talks .

Norway welcomes Colombian peace talks .
Tuesday, 04 September 2012 15:06 Adriaan Alsema

Norway, the host country of upcoming peace talks between the Colombian government and rebel group FARC, said Tuesday it is "ready to help" and "to contribute in the best way possible."

Minutes after Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos announced formal peace talks would be held in Oslo the first half of October, Norway's Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Store sent out a press statement saying his country's government welcomes the negotiations.

"It takes courage to seek peace. I would like to commend the parties for entering into a dialogue that could bring an end to the protracted armed conflict in Colombia. As the parties have requested assistance from Norway to find a peaceful solution, we have signalled our willingness to assist," said Store.

The Norwegian Foreign Minister confirmed his government has "acted as facilitator on the request of both parties. Norway will do its best to continue to assist the parties in the time ahead," said Store, adding that, "We look forward to receiving the parties in Oslo."

More:
http://colombiareports.com/colombia-news/news/25866-norway-welcomes-colombian-peace-talks.html

[Blue_Tires]

3. kick

[Judi Lynn]

4. Colombia Congress unanimous in support of peace talks with FARC .

Colombia Congress unanimous in support of peace talks with FARC .
Wednesday, 05 September 2012 14:45 Adriaan Alsema

The decision of Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos to begin formal peace negotiations with rebel group FARC has received unanimous support of the country's political parties, politically isolating former President Alvaro Uribe who opposes the talks.

The Liberal Party and opposition party Polo Democratico have explicitly supported peace talks before they were even announced and welcomed the peace talks and the government commission leading the peace talks on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Conservative Party initially held back support when rumors about peace talks broke a few weeks ago, but turned around on Tuesday. Party president Efrain Cepeda told Caracol Radio his party supported the talks and the content of the negotiation agenda.

Santos' own U Party also expressed its support for beginning formal peace talks, despite an internal division between lawmakers loyal to Santos and former Uribe who has vociferously opposed peace talks.

More:
http://colombiareports.com/colombia-news/news/25892-colombia-congress-unanimous-in-support-of-peace-talks-with-farc.html