But many in Congress criticise the law, and are reluctant to finance the demobilisation.

ECONOMIST: Colombia

The ceremony coincides with the 60th anniversary of the demobilisation of the last Bevin Boys.

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UN's costly 18-month demobilisation programme looks in retrospect like an all-expenses-paid rest programme for rebel soldiers.

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The deserter, whose name has not been disclosed, will be given a new identity in accordance with Colombia's guerrilla demobilisation plan.

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The agenda does not contemplate a ceasefire, let alone the guerrillas' demobilisation.

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Until recently, it had 100, 000 men under arms (with only 4m people) and demobilisation has been slow, with little employment at the end.

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The money from Italy will be invested in health and education projects as well as rebuilding road infrastructure and the demobilisation of Ethiopian troops.

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He is due to receive another motorbike under the demobilisation scheme, which he will sell, doubtless at a hefty discount, to pay off his debts.

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Demobilisation, however, is unlikely to be one of them.

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The president was speaking shortly after high-ranking Farc commander Mauricio Jaramillo said the rebels were "fully committed" to a process that could culminate in the surrender of arms and the demobilisation of forces.

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Demobilisation has not been straightforward.

ECONOMIST: Colombia