The only information was a brief message from the ELN’s X platform, saying that its delegation arrived in the Mexican capital on Thursday to begin its 5th cycle of talks at the negotiation table with the Colombian Government.

The Mexican side said nothing of these talks; the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs’ information channels did not even echo the ELN message announcing its presence in this capital, which indicates a high secrecy level in the meeting.

In theory, the meeting should have been held on Thursday; no side gave details, or the press was called, as is customary in these cases.

As the ELN communication from X stated that its presence was to “start the fifth cycle of talks with the Colombian Government,” it is speculated that it is not just a one-day meeting; the talks will be extended, and perhaps some details will emerge during the day.

The Colombian Government estimates that 32 people have been kidnapped by the ELN this year, according to its criteria, through extortion.

At least four of them are still in the hands of that guerrilla group.

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