Colombia’s largest guerrilla groups the FARC and the ELN have signed a collaboration pact, agreeing to abide by a ceasefire and protect FARC supreme leader “Timochenko” and common economic interests, reported newspaper El Tiempo Monday.
According to the report, FARC commander “Pastor Alape” and ELN Central Command member “Marcos” met in the northern Colombian municipality of Morales on November 22.
The main objectives were to “sign a ceasefire”, agree on commercial interests, and create a pact to protect FARC leader “Timochenko,” according to a demobilized guerrilla quoted in the report.
Timochecko is believed to reside on the Venezuelan side of the Colombian-Venezuelan border. ELN agreed to assist in the protection of this border area.
The FARC relinquished control of land between Antioquia and Bolivar department, which was previously controlled by ELN. Violent clashes in the area between 2008 and 2010 left more than 100 guerrillas dead.
The treaty also established boundaries controlling the movement of each guerrilla army and protocol regarding “taxing” illegal mining operations in guerrilla territory.
