ELN Says Colombian Government Has No Will for Peace

Colombia's National Liberation Army said Monday that the Colombian government has no desire for peace, as it continues to give their participation in the peace process an "exploratory" character.

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In an editorial, the ELN indicated that the installation of the public phase of the dialogues made clear that both parties have different proposals and do not coincide in their assessment of the times. They accused the Colombian government of seeking to make unilateral demands, to "limit and maneuver with the participation of society, circumvented state responsibility in the genocide, covering up with impunity war criminals and maintaining its regime of exclusion, privileges and repression."

The public segment of the peace talks began on Feb. 7 in the capital of Ecuador, Quito. According to the ELN delegation, although this phase "has been made possible by the commitment of the parties," the Colombian population and the international community have made a fundamental contribution to this achievement.

ELN negotiators said they find it difficult to find a middle ground between the two sides because of the magnitude of the differences. The rebels affirmed that their perspective is the transformation of Colombia, with democracy at its center and the removal of political violence.

The rebel group also thanked Ecuador's President Rafael Correa and the people of that country for providing the space for public dialogue. It emphasized that since Ecuador borders Colombia, it too has been affected by the social and armed conflict.

Despite being satisfied with the installation of the public phase of the dialogue, the ELN reiterated that it will continue to recognize the difficult conditions that the country is experiencing and that continue to deteriorate. They placed special emphasis on "open and covert warfare against social and political opposition." They also called on those who are interested in peace to build their own organizations and efforts while maintaining a critical stance of the political system.