The Scotsman

Colombian rebels in landmark ceasefire

- By MARGARET NEIGHBOUR

Colombia’s largest active rebel group has begun a temporary ceasefire with the authoritie­s for the first time in more than 50 years.

The truce is set to extend until mid-january. President Juan Manuel Santos says he hopes it will serve as a first step to achieving peace with the rebel group National Liberation Army (ELN) Group.

It follows a landmark peace deal between the authoritie­s and the much larger Farc rebel group last year which ended five decades of conflict.

The latest ceasefire is being regarded as the most important step taken since talks between the two sides began in February.

ELN finances its operations with ransom payments, but has pledged to stop hostage taking, attacks on roads and oil installati­ons, the use of landmines and recruiting minors.

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