In a recent survey it was revealed that the majority of young people support the national strike with 81% in favor and only 18% against. | Photo: Xinhua

Bogota, May 11 (RHC)-- After the failed three-hour dialogue between the National Strike Committee of Colombia and the Government of Iván Duque, this Tuesday mobilizations are continuing in several cities of the South American country and a large nationwide march has been called for tomorrow, Wednesday.

Trade unionists, social organizations, teachers, among others grouped under the umbrella of the National Strike Committee called for a new day of nationwide protests against the neoliberal policies of the Government and violence against demonstrations on May 12th.

Regarding the meeting with President Iván Duque, the committee pointed out that it is very complicated to continue dialoguing when the Colombian government claims that it is living a "war situation" without recognizing that the protests have a social origin.

No empathy has been shown with the victims of the violence that has been exercised disproportionately against the demonstrators, who have done so peacefully," said Francisco Maltés, president of the CUT.

In particular, the Committee demanded "that the massacre (...) and the official and private violence" against people exercising their legitimate right to protest be stopped.   "One of the basic guarantees we asked for is that the right to peaceful protest be respected and that guarantees be given to mobilization," said Jennifer Pedraza, leader of the Colombian Association of Student Representatives.

However, the High Commissioner for Peace, Miguel Ceballos, announced that the government is ready to negotiate with the National Strike Committee and is already in contact with its leaders to set it up, with the accompaniment of the United Nations and the Catholic Church.