But the talks have faltered, and the Farc has only become more powerful.
Those talks quickly faltered because the chief executives could not agree on various fundamental issues, people close to the negotiations said.
When the talks faltered, imperiling the deadline, he took the unexpected step of moving the final date forward.
But the talks faltered when, residents said, the company would not discuss the fences.
They looked around as he entered, their talk faltering.
The talk faltered and died as the others strained their ears to listen.
The trip came at critical time, when talks were faltering.
The executives said the talks could still falter and it was unclear when a deal might be announced.
Other executives said the talks went well past the conceptual stage, but faltered over a wide difference in what the price should be.
As with any negotiations, the talks could falter at the last minute.