哥伦比亚和反政府武装欲结束五十年的战争

AS IT IS 2015-11-30 Colombia Tries to End Five Decades of War with Rebels 哥伦比亚和反政府武装欲结束五十年的战争

The government of Colombia and the rebel group the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia are talking to end 50 years of violence.

In one breakthrough of the peace talks, Colombia plans to pardon 30 Marxist rebels who are in prison.

The talks have been ongoing¹ in Havana, Cuba since 2012. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos set a target date of March 2016 for a final treaty. 

In September, government negotiator Humberto de la Calle said both sides will “definitely” meet the March 23 deadline for the treaty.

The two sides agreed to four main points.

Land will be granted to poor farmers.

Those in conflict with the government will be pardoned.

All illegal drug production will be stopped.

Rebel participation² in politics will be welcomed.   

The four points will be acted upon when the peace treaty is signed.

A statement from Santos’ office said none of the 30 rebels to be pardoned have committed violent crimes. 

Both sides will contribute to finding the tens of thousands reported missing. Government estimates show 220,000 people killed and millions displaced in the conflict that began in 1964.

Words in This Story

breakthrough – n. an important discovery that happens after trying for a long time to understand or explain something

1 ongoing   

adj.进行中的，前进的

参考例句：

• The problem is ongoing.这个问题尚未解决。
• The issues raised in the report relate directly to Age Concern's ongoing work in this area.报告中提出的问题与“关心老人”组织在这方面正在做的工作有直接的关系。

2 participation   

n.参与，参加，分享

参考例句：

• Some of the magic tricks called for audience participation.有些魔术要求有观众的参与。
• The scheme aims to encourage increased participation in sporting activities.这个方案旨在鼓励大众更多地参与体育活动。