Colombian president ends all peace talks with illegal groups
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has ended all government peace talks with illegal armed groups and abolished the dialogue mechanisms introduced under his predecessor, Gustavo Petro. This was reported by Anadolu Agency.
Cancellation of talks
The president signed executive resolutions revoking the mandates of all government representatives and participants in the negotiations. The decision concerns negotiation platforms with the National Liberation Army of Colombia (ELN), FARC dissident groups, the Clan del Golfo cartel, as well as urban criminal gangs operating in Medellín, Buenaventura and Quibdó.
In a statement, the presidential administration announced the end of dialogue processes, social and legal forums, and what it called “false peace.” De la Espriella also said that his government would not grant illegal armed groups political recognition or leniency in criminal prosecution.
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Strengthening the security approach
The new president criticized the approach of the previous administration. According to him, more than 7 billion Colombian pesos, or about $1.7 million, in budget funds were spent solely on compensation for spokespersons, representatives and intermediaries involved in the talks.
According to the president, this amount does not include spending on security, travel, designated assembly zones and the operational logistics of the negotiation forums. He claims that dialogue did not weaken illegal groups, but enabled them to intensify their activities, challenge state authority and continue attacks on civilians and security forces.
De la Espriella outlined two options for such groups: voluntarily face justice or confront the actions of state security forces. Less than a month after taking office, his administration changed its security strategy, opting to strengthen law enforcement and military operations.
