2024-09-07 14:17:14
Peace Commissioner Otty Patiño has issued a strong warning about the critical state of the negotiation process between the Colombian government and the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla group.
Patiño said that the dialogue is at a delicate stage and that if it continues on its current course, the process could reach a point of no return.
According to the senior official, the guerrillas have “killed” the dialogue table by freezing the talks, refusing to participate in monitoring and verification mechanisms, and continuing with violent acts that have claimed the lives of civilians and military personnel in recent weeks. “The ELN has been undermining dialogue with actions such as blowing up oil pipelines and killing soldiers,” Patiño said in statements to W Radio.
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The ceasefire, which is still in effect in theory, has been seriously affected by recent violent incidents attributed to the ELN. This has caused tensions in communities in areas under the influence of this armed group. Despite these challenges, Patiño said that the Government remains willing to engage in dialogue, but warned that without a real commitment from the guerrillas, the ceasefire will not be able to hold any longer.
For his part, ELN commander Antonio García has acknowledged the crisis at the negotiating table, describing it as “deep.” García blamed previous governments for leading the ELN to this “dead end” situation in the peace processes. In addition, demanded that the Government comply with the agreements already signed, particularly that of removing the ELN from the list of Organized Armed Groups (GAO)which, according to García, would allow for the resumption of talks to find solutions to the current crisis.
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