FILE - In this June 7, 2014 file photo, Ivan Marquez, chief negotiator for the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), speaks during a news conference at the close of a round of peace talks with Colombia's government in Havana, Cuba. Colombia's largest guerrilla army on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 announced a monthlong, unilateral cease-fire, seeking to ease tensions as it continues long-running peace talks with the government. "We came to Cuba to achieve a peace accord, to put an end to a war that has gone on for more than half a century," said Marquez. (AP Photo/Franklin Reyes, File) (The Associated Press)
HAVANA – Colombia's largest guerrilla army is declaring a monthlong, unilateral cease-fire.
The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia says in a statement that it will halt hostilities as of July 20.
The announcement comes at a tense moment for long-running peace talks with the Colombian government. There have been a series of intensified attacks by both sides.
The rebel group said Wednesday it is responding to a call for restraint issued the previous day by Cuba and Norway, which are helping facilitate the negotiations in Havana.