The delegations of the Colombian government and the National Liberation Army (ELN) culminated the second cycle of negotiations, from Mexico, in which they defined an agenda that includes “the political and legal recognition” of the armed group as a “rebel political-military organization “.
At this point it also mentions “resolving the legal situation of the ELN and its members, including those prosecuted and convicted.” Likewise, they indicate “conditions and guarantees for the security and exercise of ELN politics.”
On Friday, Resolution 036 of March 6, 2023 was announced, through which the government of President Gustavo Petro grants it this status, in the middle of the dialogue table with the subversive group.
“First steps”
During a closing event, the parties announced the lines of work to address the ceasefire, in the next cycle, which will take place in Cuba.
According to the head of the Colombian government’s negotiating team, Otty Patiño, “the most urgent, heartfelt, and sensitive issues such as the ceasefire were addressed. It is a demand from the entire Colombian nation, stop the violence, armed gentlemen, and we have made that cry listened and we feel that those of the ELN delegation have listened to it”.
For his part, the leader of the ELN delegation, Pablo Beltrán, said that “the first steps were taken to concretize a national and temporary bilateral ceasefire that will create better conditions for the mobilization and participation of Colombians in the peace process. “.
“Only peace makes our country viable,” he added.
The new agenda for the peace dialogue also includes other points related to the participation of society to achieve peace, “recognition of all victims, their effects and their rights”, and policies and development plans that allow the conflict to be overcome. armed.
After a pause, the third cycle of talks will begin in Cubawith Mexico, Norway, Venezuela, Brazil, Chile and the Central American country as guarantor countries in the negotiation.
The government and the ELN began talks in November 2022since President Gustavo Petro seeks, among other initiatives, to approach and negotiate with the armed groups to achieve one of his axes of government: total peace.
Connect with the Voice of America! Subscribe to our channel Youtube and activate notifications, or follow us on social networks: Facebook, Twitter and instagram.
