Bruce Mac Master stated that peace processes must be led by organizations with a true will for peace.
Statements from the National Union Council together with the Minister of Defense, Iván Velásquez, and the Military and Police Headquarters at the end of the meeting with the economic unions to discuss national security issues that affect the productive sector.
The president of the National Association of Businessmen of Colombia (Andi), Bruce Mac Master, supported the decision of the National Government to suspend dialogues with the National Liberation Army (ELN) due to the recent acts of violence that occurred in the Catatumbo region.
Through his account on X, the union leader stressed that the Peace processes must be led by organizations with a true will for peace.
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“We have been part of the national committee to participate in the negotiations with the ELN since its creation. We are convinced of the importance of Colombia making every effort to reduce the violence that has historically affected to the country,” he indicated.
Likewise, he highlighted that for the negotiations to be successful, it is essential that the armed organizations show their willingness to demobilize and to recognize the State as the only legitimate authority in the national territory, highlighting that peace processes must be endorsed by concrete facts that demonstrate a genuine commitment to the cessation of violence.
Mac Master emphasized that acts of violence are not tolerated, such as those that occurred recently in Catatumbo and other regions of the country, especially if these occur within the framework of a negotiation process.
“The acts of violence that have occurred in Catatumbo and other regions are not acceptable to Colombian society, much less while they are supposedly embarking on a negotiation process,” he said.
The president of Andi also He stressed the importance of being demanding in future peace processes. He assured that, going forward, armed groups wishing to participate in negotiations must comply with strict conditions to ensure that the negotiations are effective and lead to lasting peace.
Finally, he stated that the recent violent actions of the ELN were not compatible with the spirit of negotiation and the search for peace in Colombia that was being carried out with that group outside the law.
Source: Integrated information system
