Secretary-General ‘Greatly Encouraged’ by Ratification of Colombia Peace Accord, Voices Hope for Rapid Turn to Ending Violence

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

The Secretary-General is greatly encouraged by the ratification, by Colombia’s parliament, of the Peace Agreement between the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People’s Army (FARC-EP).  He congratulates the parties and the people of Colombia whose determination to achieve peace has been a source of inspiration around the world.

The ratification of the Agreement constitutes a major milestone in the peace process that reaffirms the hopes shared by all Colombians for a future in peace and prosperity after decades of conflict.  The Secretary-General hopes that all efforts will turn rapidly to the hard work of implementing the Agreement, with a particular emphasis on ending violence and bringing the benefits of peace to the regions and to the vulnerable communities hit hardest by the conflict.

The Secretary-General commends the parties for their continued commitment to the ceasefire.  He reiterates the full support of the United Nations for this Colombian-led process of implementation, both through the United Nations Mission in Colombia and the United Nations country team.