In Colombia, the government and the last major rebel group have begun a temporary halt to their armed conflict. CGTN's Michelle Begue has more from Bogota.

 

For the first time since the Marxist rebel group known as the ELN declared war against the Colombian government more than 50 years ago, the two sides have declared a ceasefire. The temporary truce is an attempt to generate goodwill during complicated peace talks taking place in Quito, Ecuador.

 

PABLO BELTRAN ELN CHIEF NEGOTIATOR This ceasefire is designed as a relief to the population that suffers the most, and the commitment that each of the parties have made are primarily designed for this.

 

Colombia's Defense minister, Luis Carlos Villegas warned that although Colombia's military will avoid confrontations during the ceasefire, it will go after the group if it engages in any criminal activity such as illegal mining and drug trafficking.

 

JUAN MANUEL SANTOS COLOMBIAN PRESIDENT It is a very important step. It is a step that I hope will be the first step in a process that will also lead the ELN to put down their weapons as the FARC did over the past few months.

 

The night before the ceasefire, both sides executed military offensives. Military sources reported the death of a ELN leader, during a Colombian military offensive. And hours before the bi-lateral truce, Colombian officials attributed an attack on a police outpost-where three officers were killed - to the guerilla group. Over the past few weeks, the ELN continued to take hostages for ransom and stepped up bomb attacks on oil companies. The ceasefire will run through January 9th, and could be extended.

 

MICHELLE BEGUE BOGOTA Meanwhile, talks to end the conflict continue in Quito, Ecuador. Michelle Begue, CGTN, Bogota.