Colombia's Marxist rebels have declared a two-month ceasefire, marking the first truce in over ten years, as peace talks in Cuba aim to end a fifty-year conflict. President Juan Manuel Santos' government has stated that military operations will continue until a final peace agreement is reached with the FARC. The rebels have announced a halt to offensive military actions and sabotage until January 20, in efforts to create a more favorable environment for negotiations. Lead rebel negotiator Ivan Marquez described the ceasefire as a significant step towards achieving peace, despite previous calls for major political changes in Colombia. The parties involved in the conflict arrived at the negotiations in luxurious black cars and will have almost daily meetings until the talks conclude. Journalists crowded around Marquez, a bearded FARC delegate, and other members including Tanja Nijmeijer from the Netherlands in Havana's upscale neighborhood. Some FARC members wore clothing with Simon Trinidad's image, a guerrilla negotiator imprisoned in the US, while others chanted in support of the people's army. Humberto de la Calle, the head of the Colombian government delegation, greeted the crowd with a smile and wave but did not make any statements. Speaking from Bogota, Colombian Defense Minister Juan Carlos Pinzon expressed skepticism regarding the FARC's commitment to a ceasefire. He emphasized that security forces are mandated to pursue all criminals who have violated the constitution, and noted that the terrorist group has a history of not honoring agreements. The conflict in Colombia has lasted for 50 years, resulting in numerous casualties, displacement of millions, and damage to infrastructure. The failure of the current peace process would lead to more years of conflict and tarnish the country's reputation, hindering foreign investment and regional influence. Colombia has struggled to address its most pressing domestic issue. In western Cauca province, a region heavily affected by war in Colombia, residents were happy about the FARC ceasefire. Orlando Ramos, a resident in Miranda, Cauca, expressed his hopes for the ceasefire to be permanent on local television. The FARC's announcement could provide some relief for oil and mining companies who have been targeted in recent months by the group in an attempt to disrupt Colombia's main source of income. The ongoing war in the country has significant economic costs, causing 1 to 2 percentage points of gross domestic product loss annually and rendering large areas of land unsafe for farming due to conflict or landmines. A peace agreement with the FARC could attract more investors and sectors to Colombia, according to Eurasia Group's Latin America analyst Heather Berkman. The potential for agricultural production to transform the country's export sector is significant, as both small-scale and larger farmers could now utilize land that was previously inaccessible due to security concerns. Santos is aiming for an agreement within nine months, but the rebels believe the process will require more time. The two parties will need to address several complex issues outlined in their five-point agenda, starting with rural development. Past peace efforts have not succeeded, but there is hope from both the government and the FARC that this time could be different. However, not everyone shares this optimistic outlook. Felix Lafaurie, the head of Colombia's National Federation of Cattle Ranchers, cautioned that the announcement should be viewed skeptically. He hoped that it indicated the FARC's willingness to make peace rather than a deceptive tactic. Despite widespread support for the peace process in Colombia, many believe it will not succeed. President Santos is taking a big risk with these talks, which could determine the outcome of the 2014 election. The conflict began in 1964 when the FARC formed as a communist movement aiming to address Colombia's social inequality. During the 1990s, the FARC had control over significant portions of the country. However, in the early 2000s, a combination of billions of dollars in US aid, enhanced intelligence, and improved mobility began to shift the balance of power in favor of the government. Despite losing several top commanders and being pushed back into remote jungle hideouts in recent years, the FARC remains a formidable force and continues to carry out attacks on security forces and economic infrastructure. Violence played a significant role in the failure of previous peace talks, with negotiations breaking off in the last attempt from 1999 to 2002 after the FARC hijacked an airplane. Juan Fernando Cristo, a senator for the Liberal Party, stated that the FARC has taken into account the concerns of many Colombians who have been doubtful of its commitment to ending the war. He believes that the FARC's decision to implement a unilateral truce should give hope for positive outcomes in the upcoming negotiations.