Colombian government, ELN rebels resume dialogue in Cuba
Representatives of the Colombian government and the nation's second-largest rebel group renewed discussions on a plan to have formal talks in Havana on Friday.

"Confidence, stability and maturity have been achieved slowly" in the series of talks, government peace envoy Luis Carlos Restrepo said before the latest round of talks with the National Liberation Army (ELN).

"Nevertheless, it is just a step toward peace in Colombia," Restrepo said, noting "a long stretch lies ahead."

Meanwhile, Colombian President Alvaro Uribe on Friday retracted his pledge to negotiate a prisoners exchange with the leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), as he criticized the largest rebel group for having carried out a car bombing at a military university Thursday which injured 24 people.

Restrepo said discussions with the ELN would not be harmed by the violence blamed on the FARC. "I have instructions to keep advancing the dialogue with the ELN," the peace envoy told reporters during a break in the meetings.

The new round of meeting began after four days of talks between ELN leaders, representatives of human rights protection, and other sectors of the Colombian civil society, on issues such as mine removal and helping people displaced because of violence.

Restrepo said that the Colombian government was likely to respond positively to actions taken by the ELN deemed positive, and didn't rule out amnesty for some of its jailed members as well.

The 4,500-strong ELN, who has seen its ranks thinned in recent years, has indicated willingness to reach a deal with the government, pledging to negotiate sincerely.