Colombian government re-opens talks with FARC rebels

(Vatican Radio) The Colombian government and the principal guerrilla army have agreed to re-start peace talks. James Blears reports that the release of a kidnapped army general has resolved the impasse:

Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos had frozen peace negotiations, because the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, better known as the FARC, had kidnapped General and four other people. General Ruben Dario Alzate and the others, have now been released. General Alzate has resigned, explaining his attempt to maintain a low profile in civilian clothing has backfired.

The latest week long round of talks are due to start on December 10th. The overall negotiations have been dragging on for two years.  President Santos, who was re-elected In June to serve a second term, has promised to end the five decade long conflict, which has killed thousands and displaced millions.

Many Colombians are praying that the coming year will finally see an end to this almost half a century catalogue of violence.