Peace talks between Colombia and the Marxist guerrilla organization FARC, which have been taking place for over two years in Havana, have been going badly.

In April, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos ordered the resumption of bombing raids against FARC rebels after an attack he blamed on the group ended in the deaths of 10 soldiers.

Recently Colombia’s top negotiator, Humberto De la Calle, described the state of the peace talks as being the worst they have been since their inception.

“I want to tell the FARC in all seriousness, this could end. Some day, it's probable that they won't find us around the table in Havana," Humberto De la Calle said, as reported in Reuters.

Now it looks as though FARC is trying to smooth relations out by calling for a new unilateral ceasefire. The rebels say, as a statement from Havana informs, that the truce would start on July 20 and last a full month. The ceasefire would bring much relief to Colombians who have endured oil spills and toppled energy pylons due to the conflict.

FARC leader Iván Márquez said, “With this, we seek to generate favourable conditions to advance with our counterpart to work toward a definitive, bilateral ceasefire.”

As reported by the Guardian, President Santos said the gesture of peace is valued but that it is not enough, explaining, “If the ceasefire were accompanied by concrete commitments on the subject of justice and a definitive ceasefire, then we would be talking about progress.” 

Santos has reason to be on his guard, as FARC's previous unilateral ceasefire, which was called back in December, ended after the group killed 10 soldiers in April.

Speaking about the wariness of the Colombian people when it comes to negotiating for peace with FARC, De la Calle said, “The harsh truth is that Colombians don’t believe in the peace process.”