Colombia’s second largest guerrilla group ELN reiterated it rejects drug trafficking as an acceptable form of income to finance its war against the state, while ratifying its aim to merge with the country’s largest rebel group FARC.
In an interview published on the rebels’ website, ELN commander ‘Antonio Garcia’ expressed to be satisfied with the deal made with the FARC.
“The command of the ELN has always said that it was an absurd confrontation that was no good either for the two organizations or for the people,” Garcia said, adding that the rift between the guerrilla groups only served the State against which both fight.
According to the ELN commander, a full-on collaboration between the guerrilla groups takes time.
“The situations we come from have been very complex and finding a way out has not been easy. Because of this we are aware that we must work towards consistency. Initially proceeding slowly, allows ourselves to let the wounds heal well,” said Garcia.
Garcia denies accusations by the government that the rebels are involved in the country’s drug trade.
