WHILE the Colombian government and FARC-EP delegations continue to debate the agreed-upon agenda’s second point, referring to political participation, both sides confirm that they have "presented general versions" on all issues included within the General Agreement signed in Havana a year ago, to end the conflict.

The talks have already produced one concrete result, partial agreement on the issue of land, the first point on the agenda. In addition to what is currently being discussed, solutions must still be found to the problems of illicit drugs, victims, an end to the conflict and an approval process.

A joint statement was released after the close of the ninth round of talks on this last item, indicating that, during the sessions, the delegates had presented their respective visions on "implementation, verification and approval" of the accords.

This issue, which has yet to be formally addressed, generated tension recently when Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos presented an initiative to Congress which would allow for the convocation of a referendum on election day, 2014, with a view toward submitting the peace talks’ final agreement to a vote.

After taking a three-day break from the talks to analyze the proposal, the Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces-Army of the People (FARC-EP) commented that the manner in which an eventual accord is approved cannot be determined unilaterally, saying they did not concur with the President’s proposal.

The leader of the government’s delegation, former Vice President Humberto de la Calle, reaffirmed August 28, at the venue of the talks - Havana’s International Convention Center - that the mechanism used to approve an agreement must be addressed at the negotiating table.

De la Calle explained that the President was looking to prepare for future scenarios, adding that it would be a shame if, upon reaching an agreement, legal instruments available for its approval turned out to be insufficient.

Comandante Iván Márquez, leader of the guerrilla delegation, insisted on the position they have taken since the beginning of the talks, "A grand national political agreement for the convocation of a Constituent Assembly continues to be the most responsible and consistent route toward the approval of an eventual peace accord."

As for the question of consequences of the conflict faced by the population, another issue critical to peace, De la Calle described the FARC-EP’s recognition of its responsibility to victims as an "important step."

"Reconciliation in Colombian society must include recognition of all victims of the conflict, without distinction between one or another, for reasons behind the victimization, without consideration of cross-fire from distinct origins," he said.

Addressing the same issue, Comandante Márquez noted that throughout the talks, the FARC-EP has specifically referred to the issue of victims of the conflict, inquiring about the "historic responsibility" of those who "generated and participated in this war."

The other issue mentioned at the close of the most recent round of talks was that of illegal drugs. Forums addressing the problem have been scheduled for September in Bogotá and October in San José del Guaviare, a region directly affected.

The guerrilla delegation again proposed "a bilateral ceasefire supervised by international Latin American bodies."