The two sides began negotiating an end to their half-century-old conflict last November, but so far have only agreed on procedural issues.

 

　　President Juan Manuel Santos says he wants the process wrapped up by next November, but the rebels have said peace cannot be rushed.

 

　　Lead government negotiator Humberto de la Calle called for more speed.

 

　　"We really want, in all sincerity, to see this pick up pace. We are starting a new year, we need to pick it up and move forward. The urgency only helps us maintain public support in this process. The people want to see an efficient, dignified, rapid and serious process and this is what we are going for."

 

　　While lead rebel negotiator Ivan Marquez accused the government of slowing the talks by not offering firm proposals necessary to end the conflict.

 

　　"With that in mind they urge the government of Juan Manuel Santos to stop the war rhetoric that comes with false promises to solve the social problems and to publicly commit to present tangible solutions, apart from demagoguery, for the problems and misery that have come as a result of the terrible confrontation that is bleeding the country today."

 

　　Last week Marquez said the FARC would end on January 20 a two-month unilateral ceasefire it declared unless the government agreed to do the same.

 

　　Despite the ceasefire, attacks by both sides have continued.

 

　　Colombian officials say the rebels may be planning a new offensive.