Colombian government, rebels agree to truth commission

(Vatican Radio) The two sides in Colombia's ongoing peace talks have agreed to establish a Truth Commission to investigate, deaths, disappearances, displacement and much more,  which has been part and parcel of the violence cycle, during the fifty year conflict. 

Both sides are greeting this opportunity to give acknowledgement, voice and recognition to the dead, injured and displaced, as a major step forward in the peace process, which has already been going on for 18 months. Former Colombian Vice President Humberto de La Calle, who's the Government's Chief Negotiatior said that "The day of the victims is here."

Click below to listen to the report from James Blears

Ivan Marquez, the Chief Negotiator for the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, better known as the FARC, stressed that without rights for wrongs, no other achievements are possible.

Representatives of the conflict's victims, will travel to Cuba to describe their often harrowing experiences to the Truth Commission.
The FARC has also announced a ceasefire which starts from today (Monday) and extends until the end of June. The second round runoff of last month's Presidential Election takes place this coming Sunday.

Colombia's second largest guerrilla organization the National Liberation Army, better known as the ELN, says it won't take part in a ceasefire, but it will respect voters' rights.