The first dialogue between the Colombian government and the ELN has concluded and Mexico is offering itself for the next round.
In turn, the Government of Mexico agreed to host the next round of negotiations between the Colombian Government and the ELN that will take place in January 2023, informed the one from the North American country in Caracas, Leopoldo de Gyves.
“In relation to the request made by the high commissioner for total peace in Colombia, with the purpose that Mexico be the host country for the next round of negotiations that will take place in January 2023, I am very pleased to inform that Mexico has gladly and responsibly accepted said request,” the diplomat explained during a broadcast on the state channel Venezolana de Televisión.
On November 25, Mexico joined the rounds of talks after accepting the proposal to become the guarantor country of the process. In this first cycle of dialogue held in the city of Caracas since November 21, the government of President Gustavo Petro and the ELN agreed to make changes to the agenda established in 2016, when the Colombian State signed a peace agreement with the now extinct guerrilla Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
The parties also agreed on the institutionalization of the peace talks table, which includes regulations that regulate and enhance the work, as well as the basic principles and procedures for its operation through the established protocols.
In the third agreement, the parties decided to implement a partial emergency care agreement that will begin in January 2023 in Bajo Calima (Valle del Cauca) and Medio San Juan (Chocó), after recognizing the serious situation of violence that occurs in those territories. The delegations also ratified their decision to build on the basis of what has been built and reiterated their commitment to respect the role of the guarantor countries, with the aim of avoiding a situation contrary to International Law. .
The Colombian Government and the ELN highlighted the respectful, transparent and cordial atmosphere during the work weeks, for which they considered that this increases the hope of peace for the New Granadan country.
