Colombian rebels invite Miss Universe to attend peace talks

Miss Universe, Paulina Vega of Colombia AP PHOTO

A step closer to world peace?

Newly crowned Miss Universe Paulina Vega, a native of Colombia, has been invited by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) to attend peace talks with the government.

The FARC rebels extended their invitation to the 22-year-old beauty queen last Friday in a statement posted on their website.

“We read with interest about your desire to contribute with your good offices to peace and reconciliation of the Colombian people,” the statement dated February 6 read.

“We welcome your willingness to travel to Havana and we invite you to materialize your visit to update you about the development of the peace talks, the progress and the enormous contribution that you and the majorities who desire peace can make.”

The group further said: “Be assured that we are willing to address your concerns and consider your views a valuable contribution to peace; we are waiting for your confirmation and your contribution.”

Vega reportedly said in a post-coronation interview that she is willing to fly to Havana, Cuba’s capital, so the peace deal between the government and the rebels can be inked.

Vega has yet to respond to the invitation.

The FARC rebels and the Colombian government have been in talks to put an end to more than five decades of strife. Both sides agreed to hold the formal peace talks in Havana when it was first launched in November 2012.