Colombian President Andrés Pastrana announced the end of peace talks with FARC on January 10, 2002 and gave them 48 hours to withdraw from the demilitarized zone putting the Colombian military on high alert. Pastrana, in a turn-around from his presidential policy, declared the negotiating process to be over, blaming the guerrilla group for not taking the process seriously. Denying the accusation, the rebels counter-accused the government of lying and not negotiating in good faith, adding that FARC have no intention of withdrawing from the zone or even considering it until the end of January. Analysts fear that the guerrilla group will fiercely protect the demilitarized zone and will perhaps increase an urban offensive in order to divert pressure away from the zone.

News Stories:

"Se derrumba el proceso de paz",
El Colombiano, (Medellín) January 10, 2002

"Las FARC tienen 48 horas para abandonar la zona desmilitarizada al sur de Colombia",
El País, (Spain) January 10, 2002

"Colombia's peace process collapses"
BBC News, January 10, 2002

"Colombia Says Talks Have Failed, and Rebels Get Ultimatum"
The New York Times, January 10, 2002

"Colombia resigned to war",
BBC News, January 10, 2002