Secretary-General Stresses Violence in Conflict-Affected Areas Underscores Urgency of Implementing New Peace Agreement in Colombia

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

The Secretary-General welcomes the signing of the new peace agreement between the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People´s Army (FARC-EP), following broad consultations with political and social sectors.  He commends the parties for their determination to bring this long-standing conflict to an end.  He congratulates all who participated constructively in the dialogue that led to the new agreement.

The Secretary-General believes it is essential to move now to implementation.  The violent incidents that have taken place recently in conflict-affected areas underscore the relevance of many of the commitments contained in the agreement and the urgency of putting them into effect.

The Secretary-General hopes that Colombians will come together at this time to move the peace process forward.  He reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to provide all necessary support, both through the United Nations Mission in Colombia and through the relevant United Nations agencies, funds and programmes.