ELN declares ceasefire for the upcoming elections

[Janus]

Source: BBC News

Colombia's second-biggest rebel group, the ELN, has declared a ceasefire ahead of this month's legislative elections.
The group's commander, Antonio Garcia, said voters should look towards those candidates who are committed to the peace process.

The ELN is currently in talks with the government to see if common ground for a lasting peace deal can be found.

Correspondents say the ceasefire is another step towards a positive result in those talks.

The ELN (National Liberation Army) has been fighting a war against the Colombian state since the 1960s.

The other main left-wing rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), says it has no plans to lay down its arms during the election period.

Peace agenda

Mr Garcia made the announcement in Havana, where a round of peace talks with the Colombian government ended earlier this week.

The sides did not reach agreement but promised to meet again in Cuba in April.

Colombians are voting 199 deputies and 114 senators on 12 March.

They will also elect a new head of state on 28 May, with President Alvaro Uribe seeking a second term.

Mr Uribe launched his re-election effort on Wednesday - he was the first presidential candidate to register his name officially.

The Colombian leader has said he needs four more years in office to implement his tough policies against armed groups and drug-traffickers.

What do you think of the ELN's compromising stance? Do you think that anything significant will be accomplished out of it? Discuss...

[WUOrevolt]

Well, i am glad that they are calling a ceasefire during elections, so that those who wish to take part in them are able to safely.

[bolshevik butcher]

I think it seems like common sense. ELN I have to admit as far as gurilla groups go I admire quite a lot. This decision will stop accidental killing of voters and allow voters in their areas a say.

[Nothing Human Is Alien]

I think they are weakened and may be looking to negotiate their way into mainstream politics, which would make them armed reformists like the FMLN.

I also think, well actually know, they became significantly weakened during their alignment with 'liberation theology', and have never recovered. That's not a coincidence.

[violencia.Proletariat]

As CDL said, they are now reformists, expect them to surrender their weapons soon. The FARC however has not given up. :D

[Enragé]

depends on why they are doing it

if they just dont want to accidentally kill voters; ok good reason, if they are paving the way for reformism they should just go kill themselves now and be done with it.

[violencia.Proletariat]

if they just dont want to accidentally kill voters; ok good reason,

Have you not heard? The ELN has been in surrendering talks with the government long before this ceasefire. They are GIVING UP

You can not accidentally kill voters without a ceasefire, the commanders can give out orders not to attack civilians, no colaboration with the state is necessary.

[WUOrevolt]

Even if a commander gives out orders not to attack civilians, it still can happen. So the only way to make sure that no civilians would be killed would be to calla a ceasefire during the elections.

[violencia.Proletariat]

Originally posted by [email protected] 4 2006, 12:18 AM
Even if a commander gives out orders not to attack civilians, it still can happen. So the only way to make sure that no civilians would be killed would be to calla a ceasefire during the elections.
Thats stupid and not true. If the ELN soldiers dont follow their own commanders orders, why would they follow a ceasefire?

[WUOrevolt]

Originally posted by nate+Mar 4 2006, 08:16 PM--> (nate @ Mar 4 2006, 08:16 PM)
[email protected] 4 2006, 12:18 AM
Even if a commander gives out orders not to attack civilians, it still can happen. So the only way to make sure that no civilians would be killed would be to calla a ceasefire during the elections.
Thats stupid and not true. If the ELN soldiers dont follow their own commanders orders, why would they follow a ceasefire? [/b]
Zapata gave orders for his soldiers not to kill civilians, but some still did.

[violencia.Proletariat]

Originally posted by WUOrevolt+Mar 5 2006, 12:01 AM--> (WUOrevolt @ Mar 5 2006, 12:01 AM)
Originally posted by [email protected] 4 2006, 08:16 PM

[email protected] 4 2006, 12:18 AM
Even if a commander gives out orders not to attack civilians, it still can happen. So the only way to make sure that no civilians would be killed would be to calla a ceasefire during the elections.
Thats stupid and not true. If the ELN soldiers dont follow their own commanders orders, why would they follow a ceasefire?
Zapata gave orders for his soldiers not to kill civilians, but some still did. [/b]
And the maoists and government forces in nepal broke the ceasefire. People dont really follow rules in war.

It would be more likely you would listen to the side that you volunteered for, not cooperation with the enemy.

[WUOrevolt]

Originally posted by nate+Mar 5 2006, 08:43 AM--> (nate @ Mar 5 2006, 08:43 AM)
Originally posted by [email protected] 5 2006, 12:01 AM

Originally posted by [email protected] 4 2006, 08:16 PM

[email protected] 4 2006, 12:18 AM
Even if a commander gives out orders not to attack civilians, it still can happen. So the only way to make sure that no civilians would be killed would be to calla a ceasefire during the elections.
Thats stupid and not true. If the ELN soldiers dont follow their own commanders orders, why would they follow a ceasefire?
Zapata gave orders for his soldiers not to kill civilians, but some still did.
And the maoists and government forces in nepal broke the ceasefire. People dont really follow rules in war.

It would be more likely you would listen to the side that you volunteered for, not cooperation with the enemy. [/b]
Im just saying that a ceasefire during elections is probably the best way to avoid the killing of civilians and innocents, so therefore I support it.

[violencia.Proletariat]

Originally posted by WUOrevolt+Mar 5 2006, 01:30 AM--> (WUOrevolt @ Mar 5 2006, 01:30 AM)
Originally posted by [email protected] 5 2006, 08:43 AM

Originally posted by [email protected] 5 2006, 12:01 AM

Originally posted by [email protected] 4 2006, 08:16 PM

[email protected] 4 2006, 12:18 AM
Even if a commander gives out orders not to attack civilians, it still can happen. So the only way to make sure that no civilians would be killed would be to calla a ceasefire during the elections.
Thats stupid and not true. If the ELN soldiers dont follow their own commanders orders, why would they follow a ceasefire?
Zapata gave orders for his soldiers not to kill civilians, but some still did.
And the maoists and government forces in nepal broke the ceasefire. People dont really follow rules in war.

It would be more likely you would listen to the side that you volunteered for, not cooperation with the enemy.
Im just saying that a ceasefire during elections is probably the best way to avoid the killing of civilians and innocents, so therefore I support it. [/b]
You dont know that. But this is not whats in question. The ELN is not calling a ceasfire because of elections, its their next step in surrendering.

[Tekun]

They're on the road towards reform, just like in el Salvador with FMLN
Its sad too see, because as long as the US has its puppets (Uribe among many), Colombia will never be for the people

Vamos las FARC!