On September 12, 2005, Francisco Galan (aka Gerardo Bermudez Sanchez) , leader of the Marxist rebel group ELN , was released temporarily from Itagui maximum security prison near Medellin in a surprising move by the Colombian government. Galan’s release is an effort on President Alvaro Uribe’s part to bring ELN guerrillas to peace talks. Galan spoke to reporters upon his release: “Today I leave [prison], willing to risk my life to achieve peace and justice in Colombia. I declare that consultations between the ELN and society have now been opened.”

Galan, who is serving out a 30-year term for rebellion, terrorism, and kidnapping, has been granted a three-month furlough to get peace talks underway. He will be monitored by police and will be based in a “peace house” in Medellin from which he can organize meeting and consultations. Neighboring countries have offered their support of any talks, as they, too, will benefit from an increase in geo-political stability should the ELN either dissolve or become part of the political fray.