US EditionColombian president accepts rebel’s proposal to have a commission investigate its possible drug ties
President Petro agreed to an independent, scientific investigation of ELN's cocaine tax claims to clarify drug trade involvement and possibly restart peace talks.
- On Sunday, Colombian President Gustavo Petro accepted the ELN's proposal for an independent commission to investigate alleged drug links, reporting findings to the United Nations.
- ELN leader Antonio Garcia's Jan. 20 video proposed the rebels `impose a tax on cocaine traders` but do not run trafficking routes or labs, challenging the government to allow verification.
- The ELN counts about 5,000 fighters and has increased its control over Colombia-Venezuela border communities in recent years.
- Last year, peace talks broke down after an ELN offensive in Catatumbo that displaced over 50,000, and Petro has conditioned resuming negotiations on the ELN giving up drug trafficking.
- Colombian officials said last year a call with President Donald Trump discussed possible attacks on the ELN with U.S. military help, and Petro's longstanding accusation calls the rebels `drug traffickers dressed up as guerrilla fighters`.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Colombian President Approves Independent Probe of ELN's Drug Trade Links
Colombian President Approves Independent Probe of ELN's Drug Trade Links In a significant development in Colombia's ongoing conflict with the National Liberation Army (ELN), President Gustavo Petro announced on Sunday his acceptance of a proposal for an independent investigation into the rebel group's alleged links to the drug trade.The offer was extended through a video message by Antonio Garcia, the ELN's leader, on January 20. Garcia contende…
Associated Press News
Colombian president accepts rebel's proposal to have a commission investigate its possible drug ties
President Gustavo Petro said he will accept a proposal by Colombia’s largest remaining rebel group to allow an independent commission to investigate its alleged links to the drug trade.
Colombian President Agrees to Independent Commission to Investigate Rebels' Drug Trafficking LinksColombian President Gustavo Petro has supported an initiative by the ELN rebel group to conduct an external audit of their activities, with the aim of proving that they are not directly involved in drug trafficking, which could be a step towards a peaceful settlement.
Colombia's president has long accused the rebels of profiting from the drug trade and has called their leadership drug traffickers disguised as guerrilla fighters
Antonio García, ELN's top commander, had proposed to the president to set up an international commission to verify the link between guerrillas and drug trafficking. Today, via X, Petro said he accepted his proposal. The ELN must understand that the path of peace consists in the disconnection of the same group with drug trafficking. Antonio García proposes an international commission to verify its disconnection. I accept.Start from now on the mas…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
