OSLO, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Norwegian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that the Colombian government and the guerrilla group FARC have agreed on the terms for releasing five persons held in the latter's custody.
The five persons to be released by Colombia's largest guerrilla group include General Ruben Alzate and Corporal Jorge Rodriguez, according to a joint press release issued by Norway and Cuba, which are the two guarantor countries for the peace process in Colombia.
"It is very encouraging that the parties now agree. Now it is important that the release occurs as quickly as possible," said Norwegian Foreign Minister Boerge Brende.
The abduction of the five persons, four from the Colombian armed forces and one a lawyer, prompted Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos to decide to suspend the peace talks with FARC until they are released.
Colombia has been inflicted by armed conflicts for over 50 years with severe consequences, including the deaths of tens of thousands and the displacement of more than five million civilians.
Cuba and Norway reiterated their firm support to the peace process and will continue to help reach a final agreement on ending the conflict and creating a stable and lasting peace in Colombia, said the press release.
