UN Secretary General 'Trusts' Colombian Peace Process

United Nations Secretary General António Guterres said Friday that he has faith in the continuation of both the dialogue and the ceasefire between the Colombian government and the National Liberation Army (ELN).

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Guterres encouraged the parties to maintain a "deep dialogue" for the peace of the country, despite the possible "decrease in confidence" between both delegations following the suspension of talks and the expiration of the temporary ceasefire.

"I think it is important that the ceasefire be restored and that the talks between the parties continue," said Guterres, who is due to visit Colombia to support the ongoing peace process.

"It is always evident that a conflict – when it has a violent form – causes a decrease in confidence, causes threats to the civilian population."

Once he arrives in Colombia, Guterres’ message will be in support of the dialogue and "above all, the availability of the United Nations to support the government and the Colombian people in the construction of peace," the UN official said.

Earlier this week, President Juan Manuel Santos suspended the dialogue with the ELN in Quito, Ecuador, for alleged violations of the ceasefire by the insurgent group.

In turn, the ELN denounced the government's failure to combat the increasingly frequent murders of social leaders.