SG/SM/17875

Welcoming Historic Ceasefire Accord in Colombia, Secretary-General Urges Renewed Momentum to Fulfil Expectations, Address Outstanding Issues

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks at the signing of the bilateral ceasefire agreement between the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia—People's Army (FARC-EP), in Havana today:

Buenos días, es un honor estar con ustedes en este día tan importante para Colombia y para América Latina y el Caribe.  Estoy muy complacido y agradecido de tener la oportunidad de disfrutar una vez más de la hospitalidad de Cuba.

On this day, in a world beset by seemingly intractable wars, the peace process in Colombia delivers on a key commitment:  an agreement on a ceasefire and the laying down of weapons.

Today, the Colombian peace process validates the perseverance of all those around the world who work to end violent conflict not through the destruction of the adversary, but through the patient search for compromise.

I want to express my great admiration for the negotiating teams, which have demonstrated that it is possible to achieve peace with dignity for all concerned.  They have overcome tense moments and challenging issues to arrive at an historic achievement.

I also congratulate the Governments of Cuba and Norway, which have devoted considerable diplomatic skills to this peace process.  Together with the accompanying countries, Chile and Venezuela, they have shown how national peace efforts can be supported faithfully, discreetly and effectively.

Six months ago, the United Nations Security Council and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, or CELAC, responded to the call of the Government of Colombia and the FARC-EP, and made a commitment to support the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the laying down of weapons.

The signing of this essential component of the peace agreement will strengthen this commitment.  It will now be crucial to mobilize the people and resources required for monitoring and verification.  We know that peace talks continue, and that significant issues are still outstanding.  But, we trust that today´s achievement will provide renewed momentum towards the last phase of the negotiations.

Expectations are now high that the vision articulated in the agreements reached over the past three years will soon become a reality.  I strongly encourage you to fulfil these hopes.  We at the United Nations are determined to do everything we can, alongside the Government and the FARC-EP, to translate a remarkable negotiating process into exemplary implementation of the peace commitments made.

In my last year as Secretary-General of the United Nations, it is truly a privilege to participate in this historic event.  It is an honour to be by your side in laying the groundwork for lasting peace and a better future for all the country’s people.  Let us now work together so that the promise of peace made today in Havana is fulfilled in Colombia.

For information media. Not an official record.