ZCZC
BFF-06
COLOMBIA-POLITICS-KIDNAPPING-GUERRILLA-ELN
Colombia’s Duque again orders ELN rebels to release hostages
BOGOTA, Aug 31, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Colombia President Ivan Duque reiterated
on Thursday his call for ELN Marxist rebels to release hostages as a
prerequisite to restarting suspended Cuban-hosted peace talks.
Duque said he would only speak to the guerrillas if they “suspend all
criminal activities” and agree to “demobilize, disarm and reinsert” into
civilian life.
But the starting point for that is “the liberation of hostages.”
“We cannot legitimize violence as a mechanism to put pressure on the
state,” said Duque during a press conference with Spain Prime Minister Pedro
Sanchez.
The ELN, the last recognized rebel group fighting government forces since
the 2016 peace accord with FARC guerrillas, said two weeks ago it was
prepared to release the nine hostages: four military, three police, and two
civilian contractors.
But since then they have failed to agree with the government on the
security protocols to carry out the handover.
Peace talks have been on hold since August 1 after Duque’s predecessor Juan
Manuel Santos admitted defeat in his bid to agree a disarmament plan with the
ELN before his mandate came to an end.
The nine hostages were captured after those talks concluded.
Duque has promised a more hardline approach to the ELN and after his
inauguration he said he would take a month to decide whether or not to resume
rebel talks.
“These 30 days expire on September 7,” said Duque. “We’ve analyzed it and
have seen worrying acts of violence.
“Kidnappings, extortion, terrorist attacks, which obviously demonstrates
everything but a genuine desire for peace.”
The ELN, or National Liberation Army, has around 1,500 guerrillas and an
extensive support network.
BSS/AFP/MRI/0825 hrs