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Monday, October 25, 1999 Published at 01:13 GMT 02:13 UK

World: Americas

In pictures: Colombia's peace moves

An estimated 13 million people in Colombia - from remote jungle villages to the major cities - took to the streets in support of the latest peace talks between the government and the largest rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

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Protesters carry a giant Colombian flag through the centre of Medellin, a city about 155 miles northwest of Bogota. More than 120,000 have died in the fighting since 1964.

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Some two million people marched in the capital city of Bogota. They also turned out in 14 other cities and dozens of towns across the country demanding a ceasefire, swift progress in peace talks and an end to violence against civilians.

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Street vendor Efrain Monroy sells flags in Bogata before the march with the simple slogan "No Mas". The peace movement is unparalleled in the nation's history,

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The government and rebels have begun peace talks in the hope of ending Colombia's 35-year civil conflict. The talks are taking place in the rebel-held southern town of Uribe, one of five vacated of government troops by President Pastrana almost a year ago.

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Colombia's Peace Comissioner Victor Ricardo (left) and the head negotiator for the rebel Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) Raul Reyes (right) will be aware of the overwhelming message coming from Colombians marching across the country for peace.