Colombian President halts bombings on FARC rebels

BOGOTA, March 11 (UPI) -- Colombian President, Juan Manuel Santos, has ordered a month-long halt of bombings on the left-wing Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia rebels in an attempt to accelerate peace talks.

The military can respond to any threats, but will reconsider the decision after the month ends. FARC rebels have upheld a ceasefire declared last December.

"In regards to the indefinite, unilateral ceasefire declared by the Farc on December 18, we must recognize that they have fulfilled it," Santos said in a televised address. "In order to start the de-escalation of the conflict, I have decided to order the minister of defense and armed forces commanders to stop bombing raids on Farc camps for a month."

Aircraft strikes have been an effective tool against the rebels and some critics say the halt will give the rebels breathing space. Military ground patrols will continue.

The Colombian government and FARC are currently holding peace talks in Cuba.

Bombings will continue on the National Liberation Army, another rebel group. Santos said the group has "increased its criminal activities."

FARC is listed as a terrorist organization in the United States and Europe. More than 220,000 people have died in the conflict since the group's founding in 1964.