Bogotá/Brussels, 4 October 2002: In a new report released today, the International Crisis Group maps a strategy for peace in Colombia between the government and the National Liberation Army (ELN). In Colombia: Prospects for Peace with the ELN, ICG argues that peace with the smaller but more politically astute ELN is at least as important, and more feasible, than peace with the larger FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia). Success will require decisive government action against the paramilitary AUC (United Self-Defence Forces of Colombia).

ICG Senior Vice President Mark Schneider said: “Colombia’s new President, Álvaro Uribe, has an opportunity for a strong new start, and well understands the errors of the previous government. By giving early priority to a peace process with the ELN, he could produce an important breathing space for Colombia. What is needed is a carefully structured process, with appropriate third party facilitation to follow the confidence-building talks that are already underway”.

ICG Senior Analyst Markus Schultze-Kraft said: “The fight against drugs and poverty in Colombia will never succeed until there is peace. Peace with the ELN may also inspire the solution of all Colombia’s conflicts”.

This report provides detailed information on the ideology, methods and structure of the ELN, as well as analysing the peace effort of the Pastrana administration – and the reasons for its failure.

ICG sets out guidelines for a three–stage peace process, and clear recommendations to the government of Colombia, the ELN and the international community to act upon immediately. These include:

• Continue the current confidential and direct talks with the ELN in Cuba on a ceasefire, which is the essential prerequisite to negotiating a substantive peace agreement, but consider holding these also in agreed alternative locations, including Europe and Canada, to help broaden financial, technical, and logistical support.

• Mutual gestures to enhance confidence are essential. These include release of kidnap victims, no new kidnapping, and the conditional release of some ELN prisoners.

• Seek the support of an independent third party such as the United Nations, Colombian or German Conference of Bishops or another group to provide assistance if talks stall and to help both parties agree to a clear structure and timeline for the peace process.

• Seek assistance from the UN and other organisations for the verification and implementation of a ceasefire in later stages of the negotiations.

• Identify locations for “Neutral Zones” to protect ELN fighters, with mechanisms to monitor and protect them. These should be very different from the demilitarised zone (DMZ) granted the FARC during the failed Pastrana peace process, with local civil police and judicial authorities remaining in place.

• Insulate the ELN negotiations from AUC or FARC interference.

• Rethink counter-drugs strategies and continue to strengthen the state’s capacity to provide basic services throughout the country.

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MEDIA CONTACTS
Katy Cronin (London) +44.20.86.82.93.51
email: [email protected]
Ana Caprile (Brussels) +32-(0)2-536.00.70
Jennifer Leonard (Washington) +1-202-785 1601
This report and all ICG reports are available on our website www.crisisweb.org

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