The Government of Colombia presents a confidential proposal to the ELN in peace talks.

In a context of increasing tension and expectations, the Colombian government has presented a "confidential proposal" to the National Liberation Army (ELN) as part of the peace dialogue process that both parties have initiated. This initiative arises at a critical moment, marked by the ELN's demands to be removed from the list of terrorist groups and the urgency to restore the bilateral ceasefire, which expired on August 3rd. Senator Iván Cepeda, in an announcement made on Saturday, emphasized that the proposal aims to promote progress in the talks and prevent them from stalling in purely procedural discussions. "It is a proposal to move forward, to drive the dialogues and not simply get bogged down in factual and procedural discussions," Cepeda stated, who, along with Vera Grabe, the government's chief negotiator, is leading the conversations. The specific content of this proposal has not yet been revealed, as, according to the negotiators, they are awaiting instructions from President Gustavo Petro to disclose more details. The decision to communicate that a confidential proposal exists seeks to dispel any perception that the dialogues with the ELN are at a standstill. "It has not reached a deadlock," Cepeda assured, emphasizing that the conversations remain active. For her part, Vera Grabe highlighted that President Petro's directive is clear: this proposal must be conveyed to the ELN for their assessment and response. "The proposal shows the importance that the government places on this process," Grabe mentioned, also recognizing the support from social organizations, the UN, the church, and the countries guaranteeing the process. The relationship between the government and the ELN has been marked by complexity and the history of armed conflict in Colombia. Grabe, who was part of the M-19 guerrilla group and has experienced the transition from peace to politics, represents a significant link in this process. She serves as a reminder that the path to peace is a long and challenging journey. The bilateral ceasefire, which lasted an unprecedented amount of time, is a central topic in the current discussions. Cepeda pointed out that this ceasefire, which exceeded one year, is considered the longest in the history of the conflict. However, its conclusion has opened a space of uncertainty. The ELN has requested the government to remove it from the list of organized armed groups in order to resume the truce, a condition that the government must carefully evaluate. In addition to the characterization of the ELN, the guerrilla group has put forth other conditions to continue at the negotiation table. These include the establishment of a Multidonor Fund that would allow them to finance their operations in exchange for ceasing extortionate kidnappings, as well as demanding the suspension of approaches with the Comuneros del Sur front and offensive operations by state security forces. Cepeda assured that the government remains open to discussing all necessary issues to advance the process. "We are in that exchange process. We hope to have a response very soon regarding this phase, which we consider crucial for the process," he concluded. This perspective suggests that, despite the difficulties and demands, there is a commitment from the government to continue the dialogue. As the government tries to maintain the course of negotiations, the ELN has expressed its discontent and has pointed to the Executive as responsible for possible failures in the dialogues. The situation becomes more complicated as both sides seek legitimacy and security in their respective positions. In this context, international attention is also focused on how the Colombian government will manage this complicated dynamic with the ELN and how peace proposals can be translated into concrete steps toward reconciliation and the end of armed conflict in the country. The international community, along with Colombian citizens, remains watchful of the next moves in this crucial negotiation.