The Diplomat
The Group of Countries of Accompaniment, Support and Cooperation to the Peace Dialogue Table (GPACAC) in Colombia, of which Spain is a member, issued a statement yesterday in which it welcomes the achievement of a ceasefire by the Colombian government and the guerrilla of the National Liberation Army (ELN), in the talks held in Havana.
In the communiqué, Germany, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland congratulate the delegations for the progress achieved in the third cycle of the Peace Dialogues and in particular for “the bilateral ceasefire, the participation of society and the humanitarian relief”.
They also point out that this ceasefire, if solid, “will make it possible to respond to the urgent need to reduce the impact of the violence on communities and will make it possible for society to participate”.
The Group reiterates its commitment to comprehensively accompany and support the Dialogue Table in the development of the agenda and the implementation of what has been agreed.
The government of Gustavo Petro and the ELN agreed to a “national”, “bilateral” and “temporary” ceasefire, which, after a period of adjustment, will last in principle 180 days from 3 August. This is the longest truce the parties have agreed to date.
The ceasefire includes a first phase of readiness until 6 July, when the order to stop the offensives will be given, and will be made official on 3 August, the government delegation explained.
The ELN’s chief negotiator, Israel Ramírez, alias Pablo Beltrán, stressed that the ceasefire “seeks a humanitarian purpose, to reduce the conflict so that in Colombia there is a better climate for the participation of society”. The head of the government delegation, Otty Patiño, spoke of a “crucial” step for the peace process to move forward, reports Efe.
The UN and its secretary general, António Guterres, also welcomed the agreement and congratulated Colombia. “These are important steps that give hope to the Colombian people, especially the communities most affected by the conflict,” said Guterres’ spokesman Stéphane Dujarric.
Guterres stressed that the participation in the signing of the Colombian president, Gustavo Petro, and the first ELN commander, Antonio Garcia, “confirms the political will of the parties”.
In addition, Guterres said he “takes note of the Colombian government’s request for the Verification Mission to monitor this ceasefire and reiterates its commitment to continue accompanying the dialogue process through its special representative”.
According to the agreement announced yesterday, the UN and the Catholic Church will monitor compliance with the ceasefire agreed between the Colombian government and the guerrillas.
On the other hand, Guterres thanked Cuba for hosting this latest round of negotiations and said it is “an unequivocal reflection of its commitment to peace in Colombia”. The fourth cycle of the Dialogue Table will take place in Venezuela.
