Rio de Janeiro [Brazil], September 6: The Colombian government and the leftist guerrilla group ELN have agreed to create so-called humanitarian zones, during peace talks in Venezuela.
A joint statement issued on Monday by the delegations of the government and the guerrillas after a round of negotiations in Caracas, said that guarantees for the zones would be agreed at the negotiating table, particularly regarding the observance of a ceasefire.
According to the statement, communities living in the villages in question would also be involved in the peace process and social development projects. Colombia suffered through a 52-year-long civil war waged between left-wing rebels, right-wing paramilitaries and the country's military that left 220,000 people dead and millions more displaced.
The security situation in Colombia improved following a 2016 peace agreement between the government and the largest left-wing rebel group, FARC. But parts of the country remain under the control of other rebel groups or criminal organizations.
A six-month ceasefire between the state security forces and the leftist ELN guerrillas began in early August.
Source: Qatar Tribune
