He also considered it relevant to define the legal status in the negotiation of the Venezuelans who make up the ELN foot force, taking into account that it is a binational guerrilla. He pointed out that it should be clarified if their demobilization will be in Venezuela and who represents them in the negotiations.
San Miguel highlighted the need for a clear determination of the legal status of ELN negotiators each time they enter the territory to negotiate, regarding serious crimes they may have committed, in accordance with the Rome Statute.
“We have seen how every time the negotiation rounds between the government of Gustavo Petro and the ELN guerrillas begin, Colombia suspends the capture and extradition of the members of the ELN guerrilla, so that they can act as representatives of the armed group at the table. of negotiation. Venezuela, in harmony with the Rome Statute, must do the same to house them in its territory, even temporarily, since if it does not do so, it is obliged to capture them, according to international criminal law. stressed.
He added that monitoring of the process of laying down weapons and demobilization of combatants in Venezuela is also urgent, to prevent ELN dissidents from finding a space in the country for the continuity of their operations.
“The challenge is to influence from all sectors of the country so that this impact is positive, demanding the following conditions from the government of Nicolás Maduro, within the framework of the support it is providing, as a guarantor, to the peace talks with the ELN,” says the president of Citizen Watch.