2024-09-21 00:30:29
On Thursday, the National Liberation Army (ELN) expressed its disagreement with the Government’s decision to suspend peace talks, which had been progressing for 22 months.
The suspension was a direct response to the recent attack in Puerto Jordán, Arauca, where two soldiers were killed and more than 25 people were injured.
The ELN leader, alias Antonio García, spoke out through two messages on his X account, where he questioned the measure taken by President Gustavo Petro. In his statements, García affirmed that, despite the recent military operations against him, The ELN has not considered breaking off the peace process.
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“We have not broken the process”
García said that, although his group has been the target of military operations, they have not declared the breakdown of the peace process: “We have never said that the peace process is broken, but the one who breaks it is the president with his statements.“, he said.
The guerrilla leader also mentioned that it is possible to continue negotiations even in the midst of the armed confrontation.recalling that previous governments have held peace talks under similar circumstances. “In the midst of military operations, peace processes can continue, as has happened at various times with different governments. This should not be the exception,” said García.
President Gustavo Petro, for his part, had stated that the attack in Arauca practically broke the peace process, hardening his position after the death of the soldiers and the many wounded.
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