How did the Colombian government attempt to negotiate with FARC and M-19 guerrillas during the 1980s?

During the 1980s, the Colombian government, led by President Belisario Betancur Cuartas, initiated significant efforts to negotiate peace with guerrilla groups, including the FARC and M-19.12

Key aspects of these negotiations included:

• Amnesty Legislation: In November 1982, Betancur signed a law granting amnesty to almost all insurgents as a foundational step toward peace.12
• Cease-fire Agreements: Following the amnesty, the government successfully persuaded both the FARC and M-19 to enter into cease-fire agreements.23
• M-19 Dialogue: Secret meetings between the government and M-19 began in October 1983, leading to a formal agreement of "truce and national dialogue" in August 1984. However, this truce collapsed in July 1985, and violence escalated, notably with the M-19's seizure of the Palace of Justice in November 1985.12
• Political Integration: In 1985, the FARC and other left-wing groups established the Patriotic Union (UP) political party as part of a cease-fire agreement, allowing them to participate in elections beginning in 1986.4

These efforts were ultimately undermined by persistent violence from paramilitary groups, drug cartels, and the resumption of hostilities by the guerrillas.23