After 52 years of conflict: Colombian government and ELN guerrillas agree on peace agenda Rain and floods in California – at least two dead

The Colombian government and left-wing ELN guerrillas have agreed on a six-point plan for their peace talks during talks in Mexico City. Both delegations signed the agenda for the conclusion of the second round of talks on Friday (local time). Society should therefore be more involved in the peace effort, as Colombia’s Vice President Francia Márquez told journalists. The next round will take place in April in Cuba.

After nearly 60 years of conflict, the first steps towards a bilateral ceasefire have been taken, National Liberation Army (ELN) chief negotiator Pablo Beltrán said. The agreement guarantees the political involvement of the guerrillas. The Marxist-Leninist ELN has about 5,000 fighters. The six agenda items are: Community Participation, Democracy, Transformations for Peace, Sacrifice, Conflict Ending and Implementation.

The new left-wing government of President Gustavo Petro and the ELN resumed peace talks in the Venezuelan capital Caracas in November after a four-year break. Brazil, Cuba, Venezuela, Mexico, Chile and Norway participate in the peace process as guarantors. The Catholic Church and UN representatives are constant companions. Germany, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland are also guiding the process.

For 52 years, Colombia suffered from a civil war between left-wing rebels, right-wing paramilitaries and the army. 220,000 people died and millions were displaced. Although the security situation has improved since the 2016 peace agreement between the government and the largest rebel group FARC, parts of the South American country are still controlled by illegal groups. (saw/sda/dpa)