A/HRC/4/48 page 5 their actions on attacks against local authorities, armed strikes during the pre-electoral period, massacres and attacks against mobile units of the security forces and eradicators of coca crops. Although guerrilla attacks against fixed bases of the security forces decreased, a few did occur, such as the attack on a police station in the centre of Tierradentro (Córdoba) in November. 6. According to information provided by the Presidential Programme for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, the implementation of the Democratic Security and Defence Policy allowed the Government to maintain the downward trend in the general indicators of violence, particularly the rates for murders and abductions.2 The security policies pursued by the mayor’s offices in Bogotá and Medellín stand out in this context. The increase in security forces personnel was maintained, and greater control of certain rural areas traditionally under the domination of illegal armed groups was achieved. In other regions, such as Urabá in the Department of Antioquia, the security forces were unable to prevent infiltration by the FARC-EP or to fully control territory previously held by paramilitary groups. Likewise, important challenges remain regarding the full restoration of the rule of law throughout the country. There are still difficulties in ensuring that military gains are accompanied by a simultaneous strengthening of civilian authority, the presence of other State institutions, the implementation of social investment and rural development projects, and total respect for human rights and IHL. 7. In 2006, there were investigations involving several military officers charged with organizing terrorist attacks falsely attributed to the FARC-EP and committing intentional murders that were at first presented as deaths in combat caused by error or “friendly fire”. Some present and former public servants - among them members of Congress, governors, members of departmental assemblies and the former director of the Administrative Department of Security (DAS) - were investigated by the Attorney-General’s Office and the Supreme Court. In these investigations, the accused were charged with having political and economic links with paramilitary organizations, and/or participating in violent acts perpetrated by members of such organizations. These legal proceedings contribute to the strengthening of the rule of law and democratic institutions. 8. Preliminary talks continued between the ELN and the Government. It is hoped that in 2007 these talks will lead to the establishment of an agenda for negotiations and to the initiation of formal peace dialogues. 9. Important progress was made regarding the demobilization of paramilitary groups and the enforcement of Act No. 975 of 2005 (“Justice and Peace Law”). In August, the latest collective demobilization of paramilitaries took place, and in December, in Barranquilla (Atlántico) and Medellín (Antioquia), the first legal proceedings began within the framework of that law. The Government established the Office of the High Presidential Adviser for the social and economic reintegration of insurgent groups and individuals. 2 In 2006, the murder rate was the lowest in the last 15 years. The downward trend began to become more pronounced in 2002. The taking of hostages by illegal armed groups and organized crime activities were also reduced. While in 2002 the Government recorded 1,676 abductions, between January and November 2006, 243 persons were abducted.