Peace talks will resume in Havana after the Colombian government and FARC reached an agreement that would liberate hostages taken by the Marxist rebel group. FARC will release the hostages, including an army general, as soon as the Colombian army ends military actions.

Cuba, Norway, Chile and Venezuela, who have been overseeing the peace negotiations in the Cuban capital, released a statement saying the two sides had reached an agreement, according to The Associated Press.

The abduction of Gen. Ruben Dario Alzate earlier this week halted talks between the rebels and the government, endangering two years of negotiations.

FARC has also been criticized for the killing of two Indians as well as the kidnapping of two soldiers two weeks ago. President Juan Manuel Santos has included their release as part of the agreement between the two sides, reports the AP.

In a statement from the presidency of Colombia, the government thanked Cuba and Norway "for its commitment and collaboration to facilitate the release of Dr. Gloria Urrego, BG Dario Alzate, Corporal Jorge Rodriguez and soldiers Cesar Rivera and Jonathan Diaz."

Cuba and Norway are the guarantor nations in the negotiations.

The statement also said it will continue collaborating to return the hostages to their homes and added that as soon as the hostages are released, the Colombian government's delegation will return to Havana.

Earlier, Santos had strongly criticized FARC's actions but then changed his tone as negotiations for the hostages' release commenced, according to Reuters.

"We need to abandon our weapons, the violence and end this armed conflict," Santos said in the town of Ataco. "That is why I hope this impasse that has appeared in the Havana negotiations will be resolved soon."

According to Colombia Reports, the Red Cross is ready to begin two humanitarian missions to pick up the hostages. Both the Colombian government and FARC have authorized the international organization to proceed, but it is awaiting the cessation of Colombian military operations as per the agreement.

One of the missions will take place in the state of Choco, where the Alzate and his entourage were kidnapped. The second mission will happen in Arauca state, where the two soldiers were kidnapped.

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