Colombian rebels pledge to stop kidnappings for ransom
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
The pledge by the National Liberation Army was announced as a fifth round of peace negotiations concluded in Mexico City.
PHOTO: AFP
Follow topic:
MEXICO CITY – Colombian rebels who caused an uproar by abducting the father of a national football star said they have agreed to stop kidnappings for ransom.
This pledge by the National Liberation Army (ELN) was announced on Dec 17 in a joint statement with the government of President Gustavo Petro, as a fifth round of peace negotiations concluded in Mexico City.
The talks were aimed at ending six decades of fighting between Bogota and one of the last active leftist rebel armies in a country torn by decades of fighting involving guerrillas, right-wing paramilitary groups and drug gangs.
The ELN pledge to halt abductions for money – a common practice in years of conflict – “is an announcement that is critical for peace in Colombia”, said Ms Vera Grabe, the head of the government delegations to the talks.
The negotiations came after the recent kidnapping – and release – by the ELN of the father of Liverpool footballer Luis Diaz, which had threatened to upend a delicate ceasefire. The statement said the truce will continue.
It is scheduled to conclude on Jan 29, but both sides said on Dec 17 that they envision extending it.
“It is feasible to extend it in February,” said Mr Pablo Beltran, the head of the guerrilla delegation.
Football star Diaz’s father, Mr Luis Manuel Diaz, was released on Nov 9 after being kidnapped for 12 days.
The ELN described the kidnapping by one of its units as a “mistake.” AFP
