Police control traffic in Bogota, Colombia. Photo: THX/TTXVN

The result represents an effort toward a peace agreement to end decades of conflict between the Colombian government and the ELN. According to Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez, the ceasefire agreement was signed in the presence of Colombian President Gustavo Petro and ELN leader Antonio Garcia. The agreement will take effect on August 3.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres applauded the Colombian Government and the ELN for taking important steps that have brought hope to the Colombian people, especially the communities most affected by the conflict. He expressed hope that both sides would work together in good faith and took note of their request for the UN to play a role in monitoring the ceasefire, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN Secretary-General.

DUONG NGUYEN