MEXICO CITY (Sputnik) – Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos says the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrilla group is preparing to resume its armed struggle if peace negotiations with the government do not materialize.
"We have extensive information that they are prepared to return to war and urban warfare, which is more devastating than the rural war. That's a reality and I know it, that is why it is so important that we reach an agreement," Santos said on Thursday, as quoted by the RCN broadcaster.
The Colombian government and FARC have been engaged in peace talks since November 2012 and have reached a number of important agreements including on landmine removal, land reform, transitional justice and an end to illegal drug trafficking.
In May, the government of Colombia and FARC reached an agreement to demobilize rebel soldiers under age 15 by removing them from jungle bases.
FARC was formed in 1964 as the military wing of Colombia's Communist Party.