Colombian government: Domestic peace talks in worst times

The Colombian government said that its peace talks with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels currently are in the "worst times" as the rebels constantly launch attacks, according to a local newspaper on Sunday.

"What is happening is unbearable for Colombians," De la Calle, Colombian government's chief negotiator in the peace process with the FARC, was quoted as saying by Colombia's El Tiempo daily.

The FARC increased its attacks in the last month against military and police forces in most regions in the country.

They also caused damage to the environment after they destroyed oil pipelines in the country's southwestern region and blew up electricity facilities to leave many communities without basic services.

"I am not able to give a deadline (for the peace process) because that is the true question, but it seems clear that the process is coming to an end, for good or for bad," the official said.8 De la Calle hoped that the FARC could suspend their terrorist attacks which are affecting thousands of people, especially the poorest of the country who live in the southwestern region, where the rebels have destroyed several pipelines, blew up power pylons and attacked the local authorities.

The Colombian government was willing to accept a bilateral ceasefire before signing a final agreement, but as long as it can be "verified" and "guaranteed that they would assume their responsibilities in court, in a national and international jurisdiction," said the official.

The Colombian government and the FARC initiated a peace process over two and a half years ago, seeking to end more than five decades of a domestic armed conflict.