In an open letter distributed through social networks, top ELN leader Nicolas Rodriguez Bautista, alias "Gabino", described the proposal as "unfortunate," saying "it proves that the Catholic hierarchy does not associate peace with the struggle for social justice, putting it off again."

　　The letter was addressed to the Episcopal Conference, which had called on the ELN to disarm before sitting down with the government for peace talks.

　　"Peace is not synonymous with the silencing of guns, but the outcome of major reforms that have been negated for more than half a century," the ELN said.

　　ELN leaders said earlier it was "imperative" for the two sides to negotiate an end to some 50 years of armed conflict, as the government and the largest rebel group Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) have been doing since November.

　　As a goodwill gesture, the ELN released one of their captives, army soldier Carlos Fabian Huertas, a move welcomed by Santos who however said there would be no talks with the ELN "until all the hostages are released and the crime of kidnapping is not repeated. "