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Colombia's ELN Rebels Propose Ceasefire for Pope's Visit

by Reuters

   BOGOTA --

   Colombia's leftist ELN rebels on Monday asked the government to agree
   to a bilateral ceasefire amid peace talks in honor of a September visit
   by Pope Francis.

   The National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla group, which was founded
   in 1964 by radical Catholic priests, said a ceasefire would improve
   negotiating conditions at peace talks with the government of President
   Juan Manuel Santos taking place in Ecuador.

   "We propose receiving Pope Francis in September with a bilateral
   ceasefire, to give more strength to the process of talks," the ELN said
   in a statement. "It would be most appropriate to agree immediately to a
   ceasefire."

   "President Santos, you have the floor," the group added.

   The ELN said last month it does not anticipate a peace deal in time for
   2018 presidential and legislative elections.

   Pope Francis will visit four cities during a visit beginning Sept. 6.