SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES PARTIES TO CONFLICT IN COLOMBIA ‘TO MAKE EVERY POSSIBLE EFFORT’ TO RESOLVE CURRENT CRISIS

SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES PARTIES TO CONFLICT IN COLOMBIA ‘TO MAKE

EVERY POSSIBLE EFFORT’ TO RESOLVE CURRENT CRISIS

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General expresses his deep concern over the announcement that peace talks between the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) are at the point of breakdown.  The Secretary-General reiterates his belief that the only way to resolve the conflict is through a negotiated settlement.  The prize of peace is so great and the cost of war so terrible, that he urges the parties to make every possible effort to find a solution to the current crisis and return to good faith negotiations.  At this time of increased tension, he is particularly concerned about the safety of civilians and calls for all possible measures to be taken to protect them. 

At the request of the parties, the Secretary-General’s Acting Special Adviser on Colombia, James LeMoyne, is currently in the country.  He is consulting with the parties to support efforts to maintain the peace talks. 

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