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Colombian govt to hold peace talks with 2nd largest guerrilla group

Xinhua, March 31, 2016 Adjust font size:

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos announced Wednesday that the government will hold formal peace talks in Quito, Ecuador with the National Liberation Army (ELN), the second largest guerrilla group in the South American country.

In a public address, Santos thanked the countries that helped make the talks possible, including Norway, Venezuela, Brazil, Chile, Cuba and especially Ecuador.

However, he noted that these peace talks would be different from those taking place with the FARC in Havana, Cuba, as the two organizations are quite different, despite the fact that ending armed conflict was the goal for both talks. The ELN has existed in the country since 1964.

"This new step sees us advance further toward total peace. This will be a peace that will value the diversity of culture, of thoughts and of perspectives. This peace will empower ways to solve conflicts in a respectful and constructive way, without violence," added Santos.

Similarly, the president clarified that the dialogue with the ELN would begin in an exploratory phase and that the guerrilla group would have to release all those it currently holds prisoner.

"The agenda with ELN has opened the door for conversations. These will begin soon in Ecuador and focus on humanitarian themes, including kidnapping. However, the government will not accept to move forward in peace talks with the ELN as long as they maintain kidnapped prisoners," Santos added.

Santos expressed the hope that once guerrilla movements put down their arms for good in Colombia, others will do so across Latin America, contributing to the long-term stability of the region. Endite