Bogota, October 9 (RHC)-- Delegates of the Government of Colombia and the Central General Staff of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia - People's Army (FARC - EP) began peace talks this Sunday and decreed a bilateral ceasefire and the suspension of military actions, which would begin on October 16th.

In a joint statement, issued in the municipality of Tibú, in Catatumbo, Norte de Santander, where the dialogue took place, the parties indicated that they made the decision "to stop the war and continue with the Peace Process initiated between the Colombian State and the Central General Staff of the FARC-EP, as a way to materialize a stable and lasting peace with social and environmental justice".

It was announced that as of this Sunday, they are suspending offensive actions as a mechanism to protect the civilian population and diminish the effects of the confrontation.  As a commitment of the #GiernoDelCambio with life, President @PetroGustavo decided the suspension of offensive operations with the FARC-EP Central General Staff from midnight this Sunday. 

#ColombiaQuierePaz pic.twitter.com/CkCV3Tzc2w

For the FARC-EP, the agreement was announced by alias Arbey Avendaño, chief negotiator of the dissidents of that armed group. This decision was ratified by the High Commissioner for Peace, Danilo Rueda, who accompanied the installation of the dialogue table. 

The parties considered that more time is required for the prior enlistment and to implement the indispensable mechanisms for the Bilateral, Temporary and National Ceasefire, which contain an emphasis on the protection of the civilian population.   On October 16, the Government will issue the final Ceasefire Decree to facilitate the continuity of this process.