The Colombia government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) have agreed to resume peace talks, after a Colombian military general who was released from detention resigned this week.

A joint statement from the two sides said,

"We consider the crisis over and announce that we have agreed that the next cycle of conversations will take place between 10 and 17 December."

The peace talks came under threat following Farc detaining Gen Ruben Alzate after he ignored security protocols and travelled into Farc held territory last month. The general boarded a small boat with a lawyer and a soldier, before making his way into areas held by the group and was subsequently arrested on arrival.

After two weeks in captivity, he was released. General Alzate resigned the following day.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos initially tweeted that the minister of defence and the chief of the armed forces had to "explain why Gen Alzate broke all security protocols and was dressed as a civilian in a red zone".

He sent out a warning to the armed forces on Wednesday, a day after Alzate's resignation that "any officer, doesn't matter how important, showing the slightest sign of disloyalty or lack of discipline will be out of the military".

See our earlier posts:

Farc frees Colombian general (30 Nov 2014)

Farc releases two soldiers in bid to restart peace talks (25 Nov 2014)

Farc calls for reduced government military presence and international mediators for release of captives (23 November 2014)

FARC militants defend capture of Colombian general  (19 November 2014)