Colombia government says will not unilaterally end ELN peace talks

BOGOTA (Reuters) -Colombia’s government will not unilaterally break peace talks with rebels from the National Liberation Army (ELN), its peace delegation said on Thursday.

Vera Grave, head of the government’s peace delegation, and senator Ivan Cepeda, said it was up to the rebel group to make decisions.

“The purpose of this government is to complete the peace process with the National Liberation Army. We’re not going to be the ones to take the step of breaking off the negotiations,” Cepeda said at a press conference in Bogota.

A ceasefire between the two sides expired at the start of this month and Colombia’s government has said the military and police have been instructed to restart operations against the rebel group.

The ELN responded saying it will not launch attacks against the military but warned it would defend itself as needed.