Guerrillas invite Miss Universe to talks

REBELS from Colombia’s Farc militia have invited the country’s newly crowned Miss Universe to assist their peace negotiations with the government.

In a statement published on their website, the group took up an offer made by Paulina Vega in her quest to win her title.

Ms Vega has so far not responded to the offer while Farc gave no further indication of how she could help.

The group has waged an anti-government guerrilla war for the past 50 years.

Peace negotiations have been taking place in Havana since November 2012.

Representatives of both sides are trying to strike a deal but the talks are deadlocked.

Agreement has so far been reached on issues of land reform and bringing the Farc into formal politics but a final peace deal remains elusive.

During interviews prior to being crowned Miss Universe, Ms Vega had spoken of wanting to see peace in Colombia.

In their statement, Farc rebels said they welcomed her “willingness” to travel to Havana, adding: “We invite you to materialise your visit to update you about the development of the peace talks.”

Our correspondent in Havana, Will Grant, said it was surprising that the group would act on Ms Vega’s sentiments.

They may feel she can bring something to the current deadlock, he added.

Some 220,000 people, most of them civilians, are estimated to have been killed since the Marxist-inspired Farc rebels launched their armed struggle in 1964.