Secretary-General Welcomes Announcement that Government of Colombia, National Liberation Army Will Begin Talks in Ecuador on 27 October

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement that the Government of Colombia and the National Liberation Army will begin formal negotiations on 27 October in Quito following more than two years of exploratory conversations.  This is a source of encouragement to the Colombian people and all those involved in supporting a peaceful and comprehensive end to conflict.

The Secretary-General hopes the Government and the National Liberation Army will work with determination to reach a sustainable peace agreement as soon as possible.  He commends the Governments of Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, Norway and Venezuela for accompanying this process.