Colombia agrees to reduce attacks against the Farc Published duration 12 July 2015

image copyright AFP image caption More than 200,000 people have been killed since hostilities started in 1964

The Colombian government has issued a joint statement with Farc rebels agreeing to de-escalate the conflict.

Government forces will pull back from military action against the rebels from 20 July if the Farc fulfils their promise of a unilateral ceasefire.

For the first time since peace talks began 2012 the Colombian authorities agree to reduce military activity.

The government previously said a mutual ceasefire would be used by the left-wing rebels to regroup and rearm.

The joint statement was read out by international mediators in Cuban capital, Havana, where the talks began nearly three years ago.

The government and the rebels said they would work together to try to speed-up an agreement on a permanent bilateral ceasefire.

Progress of the new agreement will be assessed by both parts in four months, says the statement.

image copyright AFP image caption Humberto de la Calle is a former Colombian vice-president

Chief government negotiator Humberto de la Calle said the agreement would give the negotiations "a new dynamic," which must "lead towards peace".

'Bombing raids'

Last week, the Farc announced it would begin a unilateral ceasefire on 20 July.

The Farc's chief negotiator at the talks in Cuba, Ivan Marquez, said he hoped the ceasefire could lead to a bilateral truce.

Previous Farc ceasefires during the peace negotiations were not reciprocated by the Colombian military.

A Farc ceasefire was called in December, but clashes resumed in April with the killing of 11 soldiers and subsequent bombing raids on rebel positions.

Farc suspended that ceasefire on 22 May.

Negotiations have continued despite the violence, and agreement has been reached on several points.

The talks in Havana are aimed at ending more than 50 years of conflict.