Colombia and ELN rebels begin 6-month ceasefire

This marks the biggest step forward yet for Colombian President Gustavo Petro's ambitious plans to end the country's 60-year conflict.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro speaks during peace talks between the Colombian government and the National Liberation Army (ELN) in Bogota, Colombia on August 3, 2023. Photo: Reuters

The ceasefire, which is expected to last until the end of January 2024, is the result of ongoing peace talks between the ELN and the Colombian government . It was restarted last year in hopes of ending the rebels' role in a conflict that has killed at least 450,000 people.

“Welcome to peace,” Petro said at the launch of a committee to ensure civil society participation of rebel groups.

Top ELN commander Eliecer Herlinto Chamorro - better known by his alias Antonio Garcia - ordered a halt to offensive operations in a video on Monday, but said the group would continue to defend itself during the ceasefire if necessary.

The Colombian government's top peace commissioner, Danilo Rueda, said on Tuesday that the ceasefire would protect civilians and help them avoid crimes such as kidnapping.

But another ELN leader, Aureliano Carbonell, told reporters on Thursday that the group’s financial activities, which include kidnapping, extortion, drug trafficking and illegal mining, would not stop. “The financial activities will continue,” Carbonell said. “This process cannot weaken the organization.”

The UN secretary-general congratulated both sides on the ceasefire in a statement on Thursday, praising its ability to alleviate civilian suffering. A UN mission in Colombia will monitor the effort under the authority of the Security Council.

Mai Anh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/colombia-va-phien-quan-eln-bat-dau-ngung-ban-6-thang-post259062.html