Colombia’s leftwing ELN rebels have said they are ready to start formal peace talks with the government and resolve issues that have so far stymied the negotiations announced in March. Che Guevara era closes as Latin America's oldest guerrilla army calls it a day Read moreThe leftist National Liberation Army (ELN) rebels and the government had announced peace talks in March, but the negotiations have been delayed by the rebels’ continued kidnappings and infrastructure attacks. On Tuesday, President Juan Manuel Santos called on the ELN, Colombia’s second biggest rebel group with some 2,000 in its ranks, to free hostages and start the formal negotiation process. “We’re ready for the public phase to continue what was decided on 30 March and find solutions to difficulties,” the ELN tweeted on Wednesday. The group frequently bombs pipelines and other installations linked to Colombia’s oil industry.

Source: The Guardian September 28, 2016 21:10 UTC