Petro Open to New Bilateral Ceasefire with ELN: 'I Accept'

Nov 24, 2024, 02:45 PM

President Gustavo Petro of Colombia has expressed his willingness to negotiate a bilateral ceasefire with the National Liberation Army (ELN). Petro stated, 'If the ELN is willing to ceasefire and each agreement is immediately fulfilled for the benefit of the people in conflict-affected regions, I accept.' He reiterated his openness to reactivating the ceasefire under specific conditions. The ELN, represented by Israel Ramírez Pineda, has set conditions for resuming peace talks, including addressing previous unmet commitments by the government and ensuring a normal cycle of negotiations. The ELN delegation indicated that progress in negotiations would occur once these conditions are met.