UNSG hails ceasefire between Government of Colombia and ELN rebel group

GG News Bureau

UNITED NATIONS, 4th Aug. UN chief António Guterres on Thursday praised the Government of Colombia and the National Liberation Army on the start of the bilateral ceasefire which entered into force on Thursday, according to UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said in a statement issued in New York.

The statement noted that 6 month truce between the authorities and the largest remaining rebel group in the country followed 10 months of negotiations and marks the next step in an ongoing peace process.

It stated “By adhering to the ceasefire in good faith and with a clear commitment to alleviating the suffering of civilians, the parties can significantly reduce violence while enhancing trust at the peace table”.

Mr. Guterres also praised the establishment of the National Participation Committee, launched in tandem with the ceasefire.

He underlined the UN’s readiness “to support the critically important work of the National Participation Committee in facilitating the inclusive participation of Colombian society in the peace process.”

“Colombia’s persistent efforts to expand peace through dialogue are advancing,” he said.

Guterres urged the international community to support these initiatives both politically and through support for the implementation of agreements.

UN Verification Mission in Colombia will monitor the ceasefire after the unanimous adoption of a resolution by the Security Council on Wednesday, which authorized the deployment of up to 68 additional international observers.

The statement said “In accordance with the mandate given to it yesterday by the Security Council, the Verification Mission is ready to do its part in the monitoring and verification of the ceasefire.”

UN Mission was established following the signing of the 2016 Peace Agreement between the Colombian Government and the FARC rebel group, which ended more than 50 years of civil war.

The ELN and another group, EMC, did not sign onto the accord.

Security Council expressed willingness to consider mandating the UN Mission to monitor a ceasefire with EMC “when the Secretary-General confirms a ceasefire including appropriate verification protocols has been reached”.