Ban welcomes announcement of new measures to de-escalate recent violence in Colombia
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 13 July 2015 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, Ban welcomes announcement of new measures to de-escalate recent violence in Colombia, 13 July 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/55acd91940a.html [accessed 29 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
13 July 2015 - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed yesterday's announcements that the Colombian Government and the FARC-EP plan to institute new measures in de-escalating the fighting in the country and accelerate negotiations towards a peace agreement, the United Nations has confirmed.
A statement issued by Mr. Ban's spokesperson also confirmed that the Secretary-General welcomed the intention of the Colombian Government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC- EP) to invite the United Nations to accompany discussions in the sub-committee focusing on end-of-conflict issues.
Mr. Ban reiterated the United Nations' willingness to provide the support required to ensure the successful conclusion of negotiations and the implementation of a peace agreement in Colombia.
Rebels from FARC have been in talks with the Government for the last 30 months, seeking to end a 51-year conflict that has made almost a quarter of a million victims.
The two sides are working to end the long-running conflict through full implementation of the General Agreement for the End of the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace, signed two years ago.
Last year, the parties reached an accord on dealing with illicit drugs in the country. This followed a deal reached in 2013 on political participation and enhancing the role of women, which the Secretary-General also welcomed at the time.
According to media reports, however, tension mounted in June amid clashes between insurgents and Government soldiers.
