Colombia's Marxist rebels have announced a two-month ceasefire, marking the first break in hostilities in more than ten years. This ceasefire comes 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 Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The rebels have agreed to stop all offensive military actions and acts of sabotage until January 20, in an effort to create a more positive atmosphere for negotiations. Lead rebel negotiator Ivan Marquez described the ceasefire as a significant step towards achieving peace and emphasized the importance of understanding between all parties involved. This gesture indicates that the rebels are committed to reaching a successful conclusion to the talks, despite previous calls for major changes to Colombia's political system. The opposing groups arrived in high-end black cars for the talks, which will occur almost daily until negotiations conclude. Journalists surrounded the bearded, glasses-wearing Marquez, along with other FARC delegates, including Dutch national Tanja Nijmeijer, in Havana's most luxurious neighborhood. Some FARC members wore clothing with the image of Simon Trinidad, a guerrilla negotiator imprisoned in the US, while others shouted slogans in support of the guerrilla army. The leader of the Colombian government delegation, Humberto de la Calle, greeted the crowd with a smile and wave, but did not speak. Speaking from Bogota, Colombian Defense Minister Juan Carlos Pinzon expressed skepticism regarding the FARC's ceasefire pledge. He stated that security forces have a responsibility to pursue all criminals who have violated the constitution, and doubted the terrorist group's sincerity based on their history of non-compliance. The 50-year war in Colombia has resulted in numerous casualties, displacements, and infrastructure damage, making a successful peace process crucial for the country's future stability and reputation. Failure to achieve peace would lead to more years of conflict and hinder Colombia's ability to attract foreign investment and assert regional influence. Residents in western Cauca province, which has been heavily affected by war, were happy to hear about the FARC ceasefire. Orlando Ramos, a resident in Miranda, Cauca, expressed his optimism on local television, hoping that the ceasefire would be permanent. The ceasefire announcement could benefit oil and mining companies, which have been targeted by FARC attacks in recent months. The war with FARC has been costly for Colombia, affecting the economy and making large areas of land unsafe. Eurasia Group's Latin America analyst Heather Berkman believes that a peace agreement with FARC could attract more sectors and investors to Colombia. The potential for agricultural production could significantly change the country's export industry, especially since both small and large-scale farmers can now utilize land that was previously inaccessible due to security concerns. Santos is pushing for a deal within nine months, but the rebels anticipate that the negotiation process will be lengthier. The two parties are confronted with numerous complex issues in their five-point plan, with rural development as the starting point. Past peace efforts have not been successful, but there is hope from both the government and the FARC that this time could be different. However, not everyone shares this optimism. Felix Lafaurie, the leader of Colombia's National Federation of Cattle Ranchers, cautioned on Colombian radio that the announcement should be viewed skeptically. He expressed hope that it would indicate the FARC's good intentions rather than leading to further disagreements on important matters. Although most Colombians support the peace process, they are doubtful of its success in the end. The talks represent a significant risk in President Santos' political career, with the outcome potentially affecting the 2014 election. The conflict originated in 1964 when the FARC was established as a communist agrarian movement aiming to address Colombia's history of social inequality. In the 1990s, the FARC had significant control over large areas of the country. However, in the early 2000s, with the help of billions of dollars in US aid, improved intelligence, and increased mobility, the government began to gain the upper hand in the war. Despite losing several top commanders and being pushed back into remote jungle hideouts, the FARC remains a formidable force and continues to launch attacks on security forces and economic infrastructure. Previous peace talks failed due to violence, with the government ending negotiations in 2002 after the FARC hijacked an airplane during the last attempt from 1999 to 2002. Juan Fernando Cristo, a senator of the Liberal Party, stated that the FARC has listened to the concerns of many Colombians who have been doubtful about its commitment to ending the war, considering its history. He expressed optimism about the future negotiations due to the FARC's decision to declare a unilateral truce.