Colombian government and ELN rebels agree to national, bilateral ceasefire

By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - The Colombian government and the guerrillas of the National Liberation Army (ELN) signed on Friday a national and bilateral ceasefire that will last six months.

The ceasefire contemplates a first phase of readiness until July 6 and will take effect officially starting on Aug. 3.

In the presence of Colombian President Gustavo Petro, First Commander of the ELN Antonio Garcia, and the delegations of the Colombian government and the ELN, the third round of negotiations culminated in Cuba.

The government of Cuba and the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres congratulated both parties. Guterres pledged the organization's continued support to the peace process.

"The UN Secretary-General strongly commends the decision announced today by the Government of Colombia and the National Liberation Army (ELN) to resume peace talks," said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric. “These are important steps forward that send hope to the Colombian people, especially the communities who are most affected by conflict".

The news comes after the peace process suffered various setbacks.

On Dec. 31, Petro announced a six-month ceasefire with the ELN and other armed groups. Three days later, the guerrilla group denied that there was any agreement.

Since the negotiations began last year, the ELN has committed several crimes, including the assassination of members of the military and of a group of indigenous children who were escaping so as not to be recruited by the group. The government has been criticized for being too soft on the terrorist group.

Last Wednesday, the president announced his presence for the first time at the dialogue table in Cuba and confirmed he would sign the agreement.

The ELN and Colombian government have completed three rounds of talks since January this year, in Caracas, Mexico City and in Havana, which began on May 2.​​​​​​​