The Office of the Colombian Ombudsman this Friday confirmed the release of nine people by the National Liberation Army (ELN) in the Colombian department of Arauca.
This act comes in the context of the announcements of the resumption of peace talks between the government of Gustavo Petro and the ELN in Havana, Cuba.
According to the Ombudsman, a humanitarian commission made up of officials from that body and the Catholic Church this Friday authorized the release of nine people held by the ELN.
“We are celebrating the return to their homes of these nine people who have been in the hands of the ELN since July 13 this year. We have observed this situation and today, after the humanitarian mission carried out (…), it culminates in the reunion of these people with their families,” said Ombudsman Carlos Camargo.
1/2 Celebrating the return to their homes of nine people who have been in the hands of the ELN since July 13th last year!
His release is thanks to the humanitarian work of a mission made up of the Ombudsman and the Catholic Church.
📍#arauca pic.twitter.com/RbxdO4ddwQ
— Ombudsman (@DefenseriaCol) August 12, 2022
He also reiterated the Ombudsman’s willingness to allow all those in the hands of armed groups to return to their families through his humanitarian channels, thereby sending clear signals to seek the peace that Colombia craves.
For now, we will continue to provide the accompaniment needed by the detainees and their families, Camargo said.
Today, the High Commissioner for Peace in Colombia, Iván Rueda, announced that the government of the South American country recognizes the legitimacy of the ELN dialogue delegation in seeking peace.
“Consequently, the government will take all political and legal measures within the framework of national and international law to ensure the conditions that allow the talks with the ELN to resume, including the acceptance of the protocols,” he said.
The official also confirmed the will of Gustavo Petro’s government to fulfill the commitments previously made by the Colombian state to achieve peace. (Agency summary)