2024-09-24 22:53:22
In a letter addressed to delegations from both sides, the Catholic Church reiterated its concern about the escalation of violence and the situation of communities affected by the armed conflict.
The Episcopal Conference of Colombia has made an urgent call to the National Government and the National Liberation Army (ELN) to reactivate the peace talks, which have been suspended following the attack by the insurgent group on a military base in Puerto Jordán, Arauca, which left three dead and several wounded. In a letter addressed to the delegations of both parties, the Catholic Church reiterated its concern about the escalation of violence and the situation of the communities affected by the armed conflict.
In the statement, the Episcopal Conference conveyed three fundamental messages: “We encourage you, first, to maintain a channel of dialogue in this difficult time; second, to meet again to recognize and value each other; third, to move forward to provide relief to the communities that are in the midst of confrontation and cannot bear any more bloodshed.” These words underline the need to persist in the search for a negotiated solution that will allow for the cessation of hostilities.
Defrost the table
The Church also urged both parties to unfreeze the negotiating table and continue developing the agreements reached to date. “We consider it essential to unfreeze the negotiating table to continue developing the agreements reached, so that the people’s clamor for a ceasefire is also met. We have the historic responsibility to rekindle hope and foster social friendship so that transformations are possible,” the document stated.
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The suspension of talks following the attack in Arauca has created uncertainty about the future of the peace process, which has raised alarm bells in different sectors of society. The Church’s call coincides with the clamor of communities affected by the conflict, who have expressed their exhaustion in the face of continued violence.
Relevant role
The role of the Episcopal Conference in this type of negotiations has traditionally been relevant, serving as a mediator and promoter of dialogue in previous peace attempts. On this occasion, its intervention seeks to avoid a definitive breakdown in the talks and to foster an environment that allows progress towards a final agreement.
The Church’s letter reflects the desire of broad sectors of the population for a lasting peace and a bilateral ceasefire. As tensions continue to escalate, the intervention of the Episcopal Conference highlights the urgency of finding a negotiated solution to the conflict, which has been affecting the most vulnerable regions of the country for decades.
The Government and the ELN have not yet issued an official response to the Church’s request, but it is hoped that this call will help to reopen the doors of dialogue and foster a climate of understanding that will lead to peace.
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