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The Farc is estimated to have 8,000 fighters, half of the contingent it had in 2001
Colombia’s government and Farc rebels have agreed to work together to remove landmines in rural areas of the country where they have fought since the 1960s.
The announcement was made in Cuba, where both sides have been engaged in peace talks for more than two years.
Under the deal, Farc rebels will work alongside members of the military to remove the landmines and other explosive devices.
Colombia is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world.
More than 11,000 people have been injured or killed by landmines in Colombia over the past 15 years.
“The proposal for demining is a first step, but a giant step toward making peace,” said Colombian government chief negotiator Humberto de la Calle.
‘No weapons’
President Juan Manuel Santos welcomed the news, which gives his government’s peace efforts another boost.
“I would like to congratulate our negotiating team and acknowledge what the Farc are doing, because this is bringing us closer to the shared objective of reaching peace in Colombia,” he said.
BBC