mosfeld
19th September 2010, 14:45
Colombian Rebel Groups Bury the Hatchet
http://www.laht.com/colombia1/eln_cuartel_col.jpg
BOGOTA A conflict between Colombias two main guerrilla groups in the northeastern province of Arauca has ended, leaders of the FARC and ELN outfits said Tuesday.
We announce that the tragic confrontation ... in Arauca has definitively ended, the two rebel armies said in a joint statement posted on the Web site of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.
The communique was signed by the FARCs Eastern Bloc and the Eastern War Front of the National Liberation Army, or ELN, whose feud in the oil-rich province on the Venezuelan border has left scores of guerrillas dead since 2006.
The respective regional commanders agreed on the end to hostilities during a meeting in Arauca to address the causes that resulted in an unfortunate and absurd conflict.
Those talks ended with the acceptance by both regional commands of the accord announced last December by the national leaders of the FARC and ELN, the statement said.
Another result of the meeting was a commitment to cooperate and to encourage peasants displaced by the FARC-ELN fighting to return to their lands.
We are self-critical in recognizing the damage and harm caused to the population, the rebel commanders said. Accordingly, we present our sentiments of concern and apology to all those affected.
The FARC and ELN have fought a succession of Colombian governments since the mid-1960s. Military commanders estimate their current combined strength at fewer than 10,000 combatants. EFE
http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=366491&CategoryId=12393
http://www.laht.com/colombia1/eln_cuartel_col.jpg
BOGOTA A conflict between Colombias two main guerrilla groups in the northeastern province of Arauca has ended, leaders of the FARC and ELN outfits said Tuesday.
We announce that the tragic confrontation ... in Arauca has definitively ended, the two rebel armies said in a joint statement posted on the Web site of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.
The communique was signed by the FARCs Eastern Bloc and the Eastern War Front of the National Liberation Army, or ELN, whose feud in the oil-rich province on the Venezuelan border has left scores of guerrillas dead since 2006.
The respective regional commanders agreed on the end to hostilities during a meeting in Arauca to address the causes that resulted in an unfortunate and absurd conflict.
Those talks ended with the acceptance by both regional commands of the accord announced last December by the national leaders of the FARC and ELN, the statement said.
Another result of the meeting was a commitment to cooperate and to encourage peasants displaced by the FARC-ELN fighting to return to their lands.
We are self-critical in recognizing the damage and harm caused to the population, the rebel commanders said. Accordingly, we present our sentiments of concern and apology to all those affected.
The FARC and ELN have fought a succession of Colombian governments since the mid-1960s. Military commanders estimate their current combined strength at fewer than 10,000 combatants. EFE
http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=366491&CategoryId=12393