Colombia: Santos Suspends Peace Talks With ELN After Attacks

BARRANQUILLA, Colombia - Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos has suspended the ongoing peace talks between his government and the Army of National Liberation (ELN) after a faction of the rebel group claimed responsibility for several attacks that left seven policemen dead in the northern coastal region of the country.

"I have made the decision to suspend the fifth cycle of the peace talks that were to be held throughout the next several days until I see a consistency on the part of the ELN between their words and their actions," Santos announced.

The announcement by Santos is the latest negative development in what has been a worsening situation in recent weeks between the government and the ELN following the early January expiration of the 101-day ceasefire signed between the two parties several months ago.

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