Colombia and the National Liberation Army rebels extend cease-fire for a week as talks continue

By MANUEL RUEDA
Associated Press

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — The Colombian government and the nation’s largest remaining rebel group say they will extend their current cease-fire by one week, while delegates from both sides who are meeting in Cuba continue to discuss policies that could secure a longer lasting truce. In a joint statement the government and the National Liberation Army said they will abide by the conditions of the current cease-fire, which began in August and was set to expire Monday night. The current agreement says both sides will not attack each other, and that one of the goals of the cease-fire is to “improve the humanitarian situation” of communities affected by fighting.