The Committee asserted that "this dilatory action (...) makes the government of President Duque responsible for the strike". | Photo: Screenshot

Bogota, May 28 (RHC)-- The National Committee of the Strike denounced Thursday night that the Government of  Colombian President Iván Duque is refusing to sign a pre-agreement established days ago, in a tactic it called "dilatory" to initiate a dialogue.

In a press conference, the members of the Committee argued that "this delaying action, which does not understand the complexity of the moment we are living, makes the government of President Duque responsible for the strike, of course."  The Executive Branch "refuses to sign the agreement of guarantees", which prevents the installation of a formal negotiating table, said the president of the Central Unitaria de Trabajadores (CUT), Francisco Maltés.

Meanwhile, President Duque's team demanded the protesters to lift the blockades of main roads in the country in order to advance in the talks.

Both parties have reached a pre-agreement -- subject to ratification by the Executive -- which includes, among other points, the reactivation of the peace agreement for the termination of the conflict; the government must make an address in which peaceful social protest is not stigmatized.

In addition, there will be no use of firearms by the security forces during the mobilizations; there will be no presence of the army during the marches; there will be a protocol for the prevention of sexual violence against women during the protests, among other points.

The Strike Committee also informed that in case of negotiation, dialogue tables will be formed with young people, students, representatives of agrarian sectors, peasants, indigenous people, teachers and spokespersons from different cities.

Colombia celebrates this Friday a month of National Strike since the popular mobilizations began on April 28, to reject the neoliberal policies of President Duque.  For this Friday, a huge cultural strike is planned throughout the South American country, with activities such as concerts, plays, mobilizations and artistic marches.

From April 28 to May 25, 3,155 cases of police violence have been reported, of these 955 victims of physical violence by the security forces and 43 victims of homicides, allegedly by the police, according to a count made by the non-governmental organization (NGO) Temblores.

Temblores denounced 1,388 arbitrary detentions against demonstrators, 595 violent interventions, 46 victims of eye injuries, 165 cases of firearm shots by the police and 22 victims of sexual violence.