Colombia's most powerful drug cartel want political recognition in order to be able to discuss a peace deal with the government, the group's lawyer tells AFP. Ricardo Giraldo is the chief spokesman for the Autodefensas Gaitanistas de Colombia (AGC), better known as the Gulf Clan, a name they reject because of its gang-like connotation. President Gustavo Petro, the first leftist leader in the South American country's history, has vowed to bring "total peace" to the nation by pursuing negotiations with the various actors in Colombia's multifaceted decades-long conflict. Just before the new year, Petro announced a bilateral ceasefire with a number armed groups, including the Gulf Clan. But the government called off its ceasefire with the group last month after accusing it of backing violent protests by illegal miners in the northwest. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES