ByJuan Martinez
August 4, 2023
An official bilateral ceasefire between the Colombian Government and the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrillas commenced on Thursday.
Agreed within the peace dialogues framework, the ceasefire will last for six months.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro marked this occasion, emphasizing that it’s the first face-to-face meeting with ELN representatives and civil society.
He reflected on the long-standing conflict dating back to 1964 and called for an era of peace for the nation and humanity’s collective survival.
El presidente colombiano, Gustavo Petro, saluda a Pablo Beltrán.
(Photo Internet reproduction)
The ceasefire includes suspending all offensive activity, such as attacks and intelligence gathering against the opposing group.
The pact outlines monitoring and verification, the Catholic Church’s role, security measures for ELN members, and an effective communication mechanism between both parties to prevent incidents that may affect the ceasefire.
Protection for those involved in the peace process, societal oversight and supervision, and an educational program to explain the process to society are also included.
Israel Ramírez Pineda, alias Pablo Beltrán, leader of the ELN’s delegation, expressed gratitude to all parties, including international representatives, and underscored the ELN’s commitment to the ceasefire, to be verified by the United Nations (UN).
He also emphasized that peace will be possible only through social oversight to curb corruption.
The bilateral ceasefire agreement was made last June, with a fourth round of dialogues scheduled between August 14 and September 4 in Venezuela.
The ELN, the oldest active guerrilla group in Colombia and the American continent is also in talks with criminal bands as part of President Petro’s Total Peace policy.
The ceasefire includes suspending all offensive activity, such as attacks and intelligence gathering against the opposing group.
The pact outlines monitoring and verification, the Catholic Church’s role, security measures for ELN members, and an effective communication mechanism between both parties to prevent incidents that may affect the ceasefire.
Protection for those involved in the peace process, societal oversight and supervision, and an educational program to explain the process to society are also included.
Israel Ramírez Pineda, alias Pablo Beltrán, leader of the ELN’s delegation, expressed gratitude to all parties, including international representatives, and underscored the ELN’s commitment to the ceasefire, to be verified by the United Nations (UN).
He also emphasized that peace will be possible only through social oversight to curb corruption.
The bilateral ceasefire agreement was made last June, with a fourth round of dialogues scheduled between August 14 and September 4 in Venezuela.
The ELN, the oldest active guerrilla group in Colombia and the American continent is also in talks with criminal bands as part of President Petro’s Total Peace policy.
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