DATE=7/24/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=COLOMBIA TALKS (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-264741
BYLINE=LISA SCHLEIN
DATELINE=GENEVA
CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO:  Colombian government officials and rebels are 
holding two days of peace talks in Geneva.  Lisa 
Schlein reports the aim of the talks is to work out 
details of a so-called "troop free" zone in northern 
Colombia where the guerrilla movement can operate 
without hindrance.

TEXT:  Colombia's civil war has been going on for 36 
years -- the longest running war in Latin America.  
All previous efforts to achieve peace have defied the 
best intentions.  And, observers in Geneva admit they 
expect little progress from these talks.

A senior Swiss official who opened the meeting called 
it a historic moment for all who believe in the 
possibility of a just peace in Colombia.  He said the 
aim is to begin building mutual confidence after 
nearly 40 years of conflict and to work for a cease-
fire.  

Before the talks began, the chief negotiator for the 
rebel National Liberation Army, known as the E-L-N, 
affirmed his group's commitment to peace.  He 
acknowledged his group and the government have many 
differences.  But, he said he believes confidence 
between the two sides could be re-established.

The immediate aim of this meeting is to create a safe 
zone for the E-L-N rebels, the second largest rebel 
movement in Colombia.  The rebels want to host a 
national peace conference in the proposed zone.

The proposal faces stiff opposition from 
conservatives, rightist paramilitary groups, and 
residents who reportedly fear living under rebel 
control.  

Clashes between the rebels and Colombia's main right-
wing paramilitary force last week reportedly killed up 
to 100 people.  Since 1990, more than 35-thousand 
people have died in the civil war.

The government temporarily released two guerrilla 
leaders from prison so they could take part in the 
talks in Geneva.  Other top E-L-N leaders also are on 
hand.  Government officials are joined by dozens of 
Colombian civic and religious leaders.  In all, about 
80 people are taking part in the negotiations.  

Also present are about one-dozen Colombians whose 
family members have been kidnapped by the guerrillas.  
They are quietly demonstrating near the hotel where 
the meetings are being held.  They are asking the 
guerrillas to free their relatives as a gesture of 
peace.  (Signed)

NEB/LS/JWH/PW



24-Jul-2000 10:32 AM EDT (24-Jul-2000 1432 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.