2024-09-23 21:50:29
During the announcement, both parties outlined the progress made in the agreements reached so far, highlighting their focus on the social and economic development of the Pacific region.
The National Government and the Second Marquetalia announced the start of the second cycle of peace talks, scheduled for the third week of October. This new cycle, which seeks to strengthen the agreements on peace and social justice in the Nariño Pacific, was revealed during a meeting at the coliseum in Tumaco, Nariño, attended by approximately 5,000 people.
During this event, both parties outlined the progress made in the agreements reached so far, highlighting their focus on the social and economic development of the Pacific region. In addition, the government and the Second Marquetalia assured that the leader of this dissident faction of the FARC, Iván Márquez, could be present at the round of talks that will take place in October, which could mark a key point in the negotiations.
Development proposals
Among the central topics discussed at the meeting were high-impact economic initiatives that will be implemented in the coming weeks. These proposals cover aspects such as education, environmental protection and strengthening biodiversity in areas affected by the conflict. The communities of the Nariño Pacific will be the main beneficiaries of these measures, which seek to improve infrastructure, access to basic services such as health and education, and promote sustainable development in historically marginalized regions.
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Ivan Marquez in the negotiations
One of the most prominent demands of the Second Marquetalia is the inclusion of its leader, Iván Márquez, at the negotiating table. Márquez, an emblematic figure within this group, is currently facing an international arrest warrant issued by the United States, which has complicated his active participation in the process. Walter Mendoza, head of the Second Marquetalia delegation, has stressed the importance of Márquez being part of the talks, pointing out that “the table is lame” without his presence.
This point has generated tensions in the negotiations, since the government of Gustavo Petro has recognized the difficulty of suspending or lifting the arrest warrant against Márquez. For this to be possible, the negotiation of a new agreement with the United States would be necessary, which adds additional complexity to the talks.
Dialogue at risk
The High Commissioner for Peace, Otty Patiño, has warned that the Second Marquetalia’s demand regarding the participation of Iván Márquez could jeopardize the continuity of the dialogue, considering that this unexpected demand represents a major obstacle to the progress of the negotiations. Despite this, both parties have shown their willingness to continue working in search of an agreement that will allow them to end the conflict.
With the second round of negotiations on the horizon, expectations are mixed. While some see the willingness to engage in dialogue as an opportunity to achieve peace, others fear that legal complications and demands from the armed group could stall the process.
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