Colombia announces start of peace process with Segunda Marquetalia rebel faction

Representative of the National Liberation Army (ELN) Pablo Beltran speaks during the sixth round of peace dialogues between Colombia's government and the National Liberation Army, accompanied by Vera Grabe Loewenherz, Chief of Delegation of the Government of Colombia, Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez and Eugenio Martinez, General Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba, in La Habana, Cuba February 6, 2024. REUTERS/Norlys Perez/File Photo

BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombia's government and a dissident faction of the former FARC rebel group known as the Second Marquetalia said on Friday they have started a peace process.

In a joint statement, the two sides outlined plans for the creation of border peace zones which could help to stimulate economies there.