Reuters: Colombia and ELN rebels begin first-ever ceasefire
BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombia and the Marxist ELN rebels began a ceasefire on Sunday aimed at generating goodwill during complicated talks to end a half-century war that has killed hundreds of thousands.
The truce, the first with the National Liberation Army (ELN), will run through Jan. 9 and may be extended if it is respected.
“This is a very important step, a step that I hope will be the first in a process that will also lead the ELN to hand in their weapons,” President Juan Manuel Santos said ahead of the armistice.
The ELN is in talks in Ecuador to end its part in the conflict. Since negotiations began in February, the ELN has continued to take hostages for ransom and in recent weeks stepped up bomb attacks on oil companies.
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More News On Colombia’s ELN Rebel Group Beginning Truce
Colombia's rebel ELN begins first truce in over half a century -- BBC
Colombia: ELN rebels begin historic truce with Santos government -- DW
Colombia’s last rebel group begins truce -- AFP
Colombia Cease-Fire Agreement Takes Effect Sunday -- VOA
Colombia rebel leader readies troops ahead of cease-fire -- Washington Post/AP
