Colombian gov't, guerrilla group sign six-month ceasefire after peace talks

HAVANA, June 11: The Colombian government and the guerrilla group National Liberation Army (ELN) declared a six-month ceasefire here on Friday after ending the third round of peace talks.

Both sides agreed to participate in the process of constructing peace in society and get prepared for a bilateral, national, and temporary ceasefire agreement.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro, the first commander of ELN Antonio Garcia and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel attended the ceremony.

"In May 2025, the war of decades between the ELN and the state will cease for good," Petro said, adding that violence has harmed the construction of Colombia as a nation.

Meanwhile, Garcia underscored the importance of the national agreement that promotes the agenda for a change in the country, saying this peace process will contribute to the dignity of the Colombian people.

The fourth round of talks between the Colombian government and the ELN is scheduled to take place in Venezuela from Aug. 14 to Sept. 4.

"We ask Colombians not to stop and put their hearts in favor of peace in Colombia," said Diaz-Canel, adding that Latin American countries deserve to live in peace with social justice and development and without external interference or imposition.

The ELN is Colombia's oldest remaining guerrilla group. The first round of talks took place in Venezuela in November 2022, followed by a second round in Mexico in February 2023.