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Colombia's leftist rebels have begun the process of surrendering their weapons under a landmark peace deal with the Government to put an end to Latin America's longest-running conflict.
The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) had agreed to turn over 30 per cent of its arsenal of assault rifles, machine guns and homemade explosives by March 1.
Over the past few weeks, thousands of rebels have travelled across Colombia on foot and by boat from their jungle and mountain camps to 26 demobilisation zones monitored by UN personnel.
But logistical problems have delayed the setting up of barracks, where the 7,000-strong FARC is gathering in preparation for a return to civilian life.
Rebels used to living in the protective cover of Colombia's jungles are sleeping under plastic tarps exposed to the elements of rain and sun.
The dirt road to the main highway is impossible to traverse, except by all-terrain vehicle.
Despite the delays, the rebel group has reiterated its commitment to completing disarmament by June 1, as mandated by the peace accord signed last year in Bogota.
In a show of good faith, FARC fighters began registering all of their weaponry with UN observers on Wednesday, and some 300 rebels planned to lay down their weapons in a symbolic gesture.
"This process is irreversible," the rebel leader known as Pastor Alape said in Bogota this week.
The Government and FARC worked together for four years to negotiate an end to the 52-year conflict that claimed the lives of more than 220,000 people and left millions displaced.
Under the terms of the peace deal, the FARC is to form a political movement in the South American nation.
The accord has been heavily criticised by many, and was initially rejected in a referendum as being too lenient on the rebels, who will be spared jail time.
AP/Reuters
Topics: unrest-conflict-and-war, world-politics, government-and-politics, colombia