Gustavo Petro Inauguration Could Upend U.S.-Colombia Ties
TimeNov 26, 2022
Colombia Suspends ELN Rebel Arrest Warrants
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Image copyright: Presidencia de Colombia [via El Colombiano]
The Facts
On Sat., Colombia's newly elected Pres. Gustavo Petro announced that arrest warrants and extradition orders for members of the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla group were suspended in an effort to revive peace talks. He also declared he would revalidate protocols established in 2017 by former Pres. Juan Manuel Santos to open formal talks.
Founded in 1964, the left-wing rebel group - which relies on illegal mining, drug trafficking and kidnapping - has been designated a foreign terrorist organization by multiple nations, including the US, and is responsible for extensive violence in Colombia.
The Spin
Left narrative
This is a much needed step to ensure peace and security in Colombia. Instead of repeating the failed strategy of escalating tensions, the Petro admin is promoting a "Total Peace" policy, hoping cease violence through dialogue and peace agreements.
Right narrative
It's no surprise that the Marxist-Leninist Colombian president is kowtowing to the ELN as the guerrilla group supported his ticket – as did the Clan del Golfo, the FARC, and the dictatorships of Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. And this is only the start of a presidency destined to be a tragedy for the Colombian people.
