Colombian rebels, government, restart peace talks in Cuba aimed at ending decades of conflict

Pablo Catatumbo, center, chief of the western bloc of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, speaks to journalists at the continuation of peace talks with Colombia's government after a month's recess in Havana, Cuba, Tuesday, April 23, 2013. At right is Victoria Sandino and at left is Ivan Marquez, chief negotiator for FARC. (AP Photo/Franklin Reyes) (The Associated Press)

Humberto de la Calle, head of Colombia's government peace negotiation team arrives for the continuation of peace talks with members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC in Havana, Cuba, Tuesday, April 23, 2013. Colombia's peace talks resumed on Tuesday after a month's recess. (AP Photo/Franklin Reyes) (The Associated Press)

HAVANA – Colombian rebels and the country's government have restarted peace talks in Havana, with both sides saying they want to step up the pace after a month-long recess.

Negotiators have said they are close to an agreement on the first point of contention — land reform.

Ivan Marquez, the head of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia's negotiating team, said Tuesday that the peace process is "irreversible."

Humberto de la Calle, the government's top negotiator, says he hopes the FARC will look favorably on the government's latest proposal on land reform, details of which have not been made public.

The talks began in October in Oslo, Norway and have continued in Havana ever since. Cuba and Norway are acting as guarantors in the latest effort to end Colombia's half-century old insurgency.