Bolivarian government denies ELN presence in Venezuelan territory

In response to notes issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia on January 3 and 15, respectively, in which is made reference to the presumed presence in Venezuelan territory of members of the Central Command of the National Liberation Army (ELN), the Government Bolivarian through the Ministry of People’s Power for Foreign Affairs, sent two response notes dated January 7 and 18, on which emphasizes that the intelligence agencies of the Venezuelan State indicate that there are no signs of the presence of those referred ELN commands in the National territory.
In this sense, the Ministry of People’s Power for Foreign Affairs, requests the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia to submit the information known to the Colombian intelligence agencies, in order to process it and act in accordance with the respective international agreements. .
At the same time, reminds that only upon the request of the Colombian presidents, and in order to always contribute to the peace and stability of Colombia and Venezuela, communication has been established with the Colombian guerrilla as part of the peace processes and agreements.
On the other hand, Venezuela takes the opportunity to reiterate the multiple requests made to Colombia, in relation to the capture and surrender of the persons involved in the attempt of frustrated assassination against President Nicolás Maduros Moros, on August 4, 2018, of which some even make public life in Colombia.
Finally, the National Government once again reiterates the need to reactivate direct communication between both chancelleries in order to reestablish the appropriate diplomatic channel to attend to their bilateral affairs.