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UN chief welcomes Colombian gov't, ELN rebels to hold peace talks

Xinhua, October 13, 2016 Adjust font size:

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday welcomed the announcement that the government of Colombia and the country's second largest rebel group, known as ELN, will begin peace talks.

On Monday, the Colombian government and the National Liberation Army (ELN) announced that they will begin formal negotiations on Oct. 27 in Quito, the capital of Ecuador.

The two sides have worked out an agenda, including the participation of society in the peace process, democratic reforms, and reparations for victims.

"This is a source of encouragement to the Colombian people and all those involved in supporting a peaceful and comprehensive end to conflict," said a statement released by Ban's spokesperson.

"The Secretary-General hopes the Government and the ELN will work with determination to reach a sustainable peace agreement as soon as possible," it added.

The announcement came on the heels of a peace deal between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the country's largest rebel group.

The peace deal obviously has prompted the ELN to negotiations with the government although the peace deal with FARC was rejected in a referendum on Oct. 2.

Right after the referendum results were revealed, the ELN said that despite the outcome, it called on Colombians to continue to tirelessly fight for peace with change. Endit