Nobel Prize Provides Needed Hoped, Encouragement for Colombians, Secretary-General Says, Urging Political Actors to Keep Working towards Peace

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s statement on the awarding of the 2016 Nobel Prize for Peace to the Colombia Peace Process, today:

The 2016 Nobel Prize for Peace has been awarded to President Juan Manuel Santos at a critical moment when this special acknowledgement provides needed hope and encouragement to the Colombian people.

This is a timely message to all who have toiled so hard for peace — to the Government of Colombia, to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People’s Army (FARC-EP), to all the political and social forces who express a desire for peace, to civil society and in particular to the victims, who are leading the way towards national reconciliation.  It tells them to keep working until they have brought the peace process to a successful conclusion. 

The results of the 2 October plebiscite should not divide the millions of Colombians who strive to build a peaceful country.  I welcome the dialogue that has begun on the way forward.  I commend the statements of all concerned that they are committed to peace, and I welcome the continuing commitment of the parties to the ceasefire, if leaders conduct their dialogue with pragmatism, focused on the Colombian people’s desire of for peace.

This award says to them:  you have come too far to turn back now.  The peace process should inspire our world.