Colombian rebels thank Cuba, Venezuela for backing peace talks

www.chinaview.cn 2005-12-19

HAVANA, Dec. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- Colombia's second-largest guerrilla
movement thanked Cuba and Venezuela for supporting exploratory peace talks
with the Colombian government, news media in Havana reported on Sunday.

Without the help of Cuban leader Fidel Castro and Venezuelan President
Hugo Chavez, the exploratory talks would have been very difficult to
start, said Antonio Garcia, military commander of the 5,000-strong
National Liberation Army (ELN).

When asked about Chavez's call for the ELN to lay down their arms,
Garcia said every proposal made by important figures like Chavez should be
taken seriously.

The ELN leader added that Saturday's hour-long meeting with
thegovernment was held in an "tolerable" atmosphere, saying the ELN will continue
the dialogues.

The exploratory meeting started in Cuba last Friday to set conditions
for full peace talks between the ELN and the Colombian authorities.

Representatives from the governments of Spain, Norway and Switzerland
and a civilian team from Colombia were also present atthe talks, which
will last a week, Colombian reports said.

The last attempt at peace talks with the ELN broke down in December
2002 after the sides failed to agree on a framework for negotiations.