Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos announced today his Government”s decision to resume peace talks with the National Liberation Army (ELN).
In an address from Casa de Nariño (seat of the presidency) Santos said that he has already ordered Gustavo Bell, head of the negotiating team of his administration, to travel to Quito in order to resume negotiations.
He said the purpose of such a decision is to negotiation push negotiations ahead and ‘also achieve a new ceasefire agreement, broad and verifiable, that will prevent the loss of more lives as we speak.’
Santos admitted the ELN complied with the unilateral ceasefire that it had promised for the legislative elections.
He added that actions of this nature contribute to rebuilding confidence to advance in the path of dialogue.
At the same time, Santos mentioned the call of the church and several social organizations, as well as the international community, for the Quito meeting to be resumed.
(Prensa Latina)