In Colombia, a former FARC rebel commander is calling for a return to armed conflict. Ivan Marquez who once helped negotiate the historic peace agreement with the government three years ago announced on Thursday that he is taking up arms again along with other guerillas. Our correspondent Michelle Begue has more from the Colombian capital of Bogota.

A former FARC commander, who goes by the alias Ivan Marquez, has announced the start of what he called a "new phase of the armed struggle" in Colombia. Surrounded by other armed combatants, Marquez talked about a return to conflict.

IVAN MARQUEZ FORMER FARC COMMANDER "We are announcing to the world that the second armed rebellion has begun under the protection of the universal right that assists all the peoples of the world to rise in arms against oppression."

The former leader of the leftist guerilla group claims the Colombian government had "betrayed" the peace agreement he helped negotiate three years ago. In a video that lasted more than 30 minutes, Marquez says the group will pursue new tactics and will not carry out kidnappings, but it will seek dialogue with local land owners and business people. In response, President Ivan Duque released a video statement. He referred to the newly-armed group as narco traffickers. He accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of supporting them.

IVAN DUQUE COLOMBIAN PRESIDENT "To Colombians, I want to reiterate that we will continue to guarantee legality, security and justice in all of our national territory. The National Armed Forces count on all the operational capabilities to go after this criminal group."

The former chief government negotiator in the peace talks with the FARC also reacted, putting the blame on Duque's government.

HUMBERTO DE LA CALLE FORMER CHIEF GOVERNMENT NEGOTIATOR "Let's remember that, over and over, we've told the national government that its persistent attacks on the peace process and the risks of legal destabilization it entailed, could push many commanders to make the wrong decisions."

The FARC Political Party held a news conference to reject Marquez's decision to take up arms, calling it a "delusional mistake".

RODRIGO LONDONO FARC POLITICAL PARTY PRESIDENT "This is not the time for hesitation. War cannot be the destiny of this country. We will continue here, ready to give everything for peace and social justice."

The United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia sent out a press release condemning the announcement and made sure to highlight the commitment of the "vast majority of men and women in the reintegration process".

MICHELLE BEGUE BOGOTA, COLOMBIA "Former President Juan Manuel Santos, who was awarded the Nobel peace prize for the peace agreement, tweeted earlier in the day that 90 percent of the FARC support the peace process. Michelle Begue, CGTN, Bogota, Colombia."