Secretary-General Welcomes Colombian Agreement on Question of Illicit Drugs

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

The Secretary-General welcomes the agreement reached in Havana on 16 May between the Colombian Government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia on the subject of illicit drugs.  A stepped-up effort under this agreement to bring alternative development to regions plagued by illicit crops should mean a better life for many Colombians and help counter the crime and violence associated with the trade in illegal narcotics.

The Secretary-General commends the parties and encourages them to maintain the momentum in the peace talks.

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For information media • not an official record