Government of Colombia and ELN refine details of ceasefire in meeting in Havana

The negotiating delegations of the Colombian government and the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla began a week-long meeting in Havana on Monday in which they hope to refine the final details of the bilateral ceasefire agreements and the participation of civil society. in the deal.

It is expected that in the coming days the parties will approve the protocols for the ceasefire that include its evaluation, extension or suspension, as well as monitoring to ensure compliance and the protection of the civilian population, and the conditions and guarantees of security for the guerrilla group and the places where it is present, among other issues.

The roundtable is also expected to approve the internal regulations of the National Participation Committee, a civil society participation mechanism that will include 80 representatives from 30 social sectors and ELN commanders.

Last week, the Colombian military and police forces and the guerrillas suspended offensive operations as a phase prior to the bilateral ceasefire, which is expected to begin fully on August 3 and last until January 29 of next year. .

The government and the ELN announced a bilateral ceasefire on June 9, in Havana, Cuba. On August 14 they will advance the fourth cycle of dialogues, in Caracas.

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