Colombia to free 30 jailed FARC rebels

In a gesture of goodwill the Colombian government says it's releasing 30 jailed members of the Marxist FARC rebel group amid talks to end 50 years of war.

Colombia's government says it will free 30 jailed members of the Marxist FARC rebel group as a gesture of goodwill as the two sides negotiate an end to more than five decades of war.

None of the inmates have been convicted of violent crimes while fighting for the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), according to a statement from President Juan Manuel Santos's office on Sunday.

Once released, the group will receive psychological help, education, job training and support for their families as they are reintegrated into society, it said.

Peace talks between the government and FARC leadership have entered their fourth year in Havana, Cuba, as the two sides work through a complicated five-point agenda.

Santos has said he wants a peace accord signed by March 23 to end the conflict that has killed more than 220,000 people and displaced millions.


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Source: AAP



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