UPI

Colombian leaders and the head of the country`s second-largest rebel group were meeting in Cuba to fashion a peace process after a four-decade war.

The National Liberation Army, or ELN, has agreed to the talks after being persuaded by leader Francisco Galan.

He was given three months out from his 30-year prison term to persuade the group.

The meeting is being facilitated by Colombian writer and Nobel prize-winner Gabriel Garcia Marquez who told both sides ‘they should be ashamed’ if an agreement isn`t reached.

Peace talks in 2003 failed.

The government of President Alvaro Uribe is insisting on a cease-fire. The ELN demands social issues such as poverty be addressed.