Colombian government and ELN sign ceasefire deal in Havana

ROGER MCKENZIE SUNDAY, JUNE 11, 2023

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel applauds as Colombia's President Gustavo Petro, left, and ELN commander Antonio Garcia shake hands during a bilateral ceasefire agreement signing ceremony between Petro's government and the Colombian National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla, at El Laguito in Havana, Cuba, Friday, June 9, 2023.


CAMPAIGNERS have welcomed the ceasefire deal reached between the Colombian government and guerillas as “an important step for peace in Colombia.”

The deal, reached on Friday in Cuba, sets up a six-month halt to hostilities in the latest attempt to resolve a conflict dating back to the 1960s.

The government and the National Liberation Army (ELN) announced the accord at a ceremony in Havana attended by Colombian President Gustavo Petro, top guerilla commander Antonio Garcia and Cuban officials. The ceasefire takes effect in phases, going fully into effect in August and then lasts for six months.

Top negotiator for the Marxist-Leninist rebel group Pablo Beltran said at the ceremony: “This effort to look for peace is a beacon of hope that conflicts can be resolved politically and diplomatically.”

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