Colombia Stands Firm on Continuing Peace Talks with ELN Rebels

Colombia's government remains committed to continuing peace negotiations with the National Liberation Army (ELN) and will not unilaterally end the discussions. In a recent press conference, government representatives emphasized the responsibility lies with the rebels, despite the expiration of a ceasefire earlier this month.

Colombia's government reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing peace negotiations with the National Liberation Army (ELN) on Thursday, pledging not to unilaterally withdraw from the talks.

During a press conference in Bogota, Vera Grabe, head of the government's peace delegation, alongside Senator Ivan Cepeda, emphasized that any decision to disrupt the negotiations lies with the rebel group. 'The purpose of this government is to complete the peace process with the National Liberation Army. We're not going to be the ones to take the step of breaking off the negotiations,' Cepeda stated.

Following the expiration of a ceasefire at the start of the month, Colombia's government has directed its military and police forces to resume operations against the ELN. In response, the rebel group announced it would avoid launching attacks but warned they might defend themselves if necessary.