Colombia rebels open door to peace talks

Colombia’s second-largest rebel group, National Liberation Army, said Wednesday it is willing to lay down its weapons if government-brokered peace talks open political space for leftist groups.

The group, considered a foreign terrorist organization by the United States, has a long history of kidnapping foreigners for ransom, of extorting businesses and of sabotaging Colombia’s main oil pipeline.

The apparent engagement with the ELN comes as Santos tries to close in on a deal with the FARC, holding out this week the possibility of a bilateral ceasefire to reflect what he considers the group’s demonstrated commitment to reduce hostilities.

Source: AP