Colombia overture to rebels

Armed uprisings have lasted over 30 years in Colombia

By South America correspondent James Reynolds

The Colombian government has taken steps towards starting a peace process with the country's second rebel group, the National Liberation Army, or ELN.

The government has decided to restore the ELN's political status, which is seen as a move which will pave the way for possible peace talks.

The Marxist-inspired ELN, which numbers around 5,000 soldiers, has been fighting the state for more than 30 years.

The human cost in the conflict has been high

In April last year, the government withdrew the ELN's political status after the rebels hijacked a plane in northern Colombia.

A month later the guerrillas abducted the entire congregation of a church in the city of Cali; but now, the hostages have been released and the government says that
the ELN has shown signs of good will.

Difficulties remain

But the prospect of meaningful peace talks in the near future is still difficult.

The ELN has called for the government to withdraw the armed forces from part of the North of the country to provide a neutral area in which to hold negotiations.

Earlier this year, the government decided that part of the Northern Bolivar province should make up this area.

Since then, there has been strong opposition from the people of this region, and convincing them to provide the venue for peace talks will be difficult.

President Pastrana aims to restore peace

Almost two years ago, President Andres Pastrana began a separate peace process with the country's largest rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.

But talks with the FARC have yet to make noticeable progress and many Colombians doubt that the country's guerrilla groups are committed to negotiating an end to their respective uprisings.