By Sinan Dogan
BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) — The Colombian government on Tuesday accepted a proposal by the National Liberation Army (ELN) rebel group to return to peace talks, after a recent pause in discussions.
After withdrawing from talks in response to the ELN's Sept. 17 attack on a military base, the government welcomed the group’s call to resume negotiations.
A statement from the government’s peace delegation said the decision to accept the ELN’s offer was made in response to the Colombian people's strong desire for peace.
The ELN, in a separate statement, declared its readiness to meet with the government delegation, with the involvement of guarantor countries.
Three soldiers were killed and 30 others injured in the attack on the base in the village of Puerto Jordan in the eastern department of Arauca.
President Gustavo Petro's administration suspended the peace negotiations following the attack.
- Return to peace talks after 3 years
With Venezuela acting as guarantor and host, both sides resumed peace talks on Nov. 22, 2022, in Caracas, after a suspension that began in 2019.
The third round of peace talks, which started on May 2, 2023, in Havana, Cuba, concluded with the signing of a six-month temporary cease-fire, which came into effect on Aug. 3, 2023.
After the cease-fire ended on Aug. 3, both sides renewed attacks.
*Writing by Alperen Aktas from Istanbul