Colombia: Petro and the ELN conclude the first stage of their negotiations

The representatives of the Government of Colombia and those of the terrorist guerrilla of the National Liberation Army (ELN) have concluded this Monday in Caracas, Venezuela, the first round of talks to reach a peace agreement and have called for a second session in the territory of Mexico.

The parties have released a joint statement in which they have confirmed that the next round of talks will be held on Mexican soil, although they have not detailed the date on which they will take place.

On the other hand, questioned about whether the ELN will implement a possible “Christmas truce“, the second commander of the guerrilla, ‘Pablo Beltrán’, has stated that although this possibility is contemplated, today it is difficult for it to occur.

‘Pablo Beltrán’ has stressed that on previous occasions when this truce has been signed, the Colombian Public Force has taken advantage of it to increase its military advantage, with which he has requested that this possible truce be bilateral.

Beyond the failure as far as a ceasefire is concerned, the government and the ELN have indeed confirmed the release of some twenty people -civilians and agents of the Public Force- in guerrilla custody.

With information from Xinhua