Colombia's Santos thanks UN on efforts to support FARC peace deal

Jan 29, 2016 Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos recently praised the United Nations Security Council for approving a disarmament observer mission to support the FARC peace deal.

The 15-member council unanimously adopted a British-drafted resolution that would establish a political mission to monitor and verify the definitive bilateral ceasefire and cessation of hostilities.

Speaking to this effect, President Santos said:

“This is a major boost from the world’s highest authority to all Colombians. I spoke personally with all leaders from country’s with a permanent seat on the (Security) Council, the United States, Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom as well as other non-permanent members. On behalf of Colombians, I want to thank hem, the Secretary General of the United Nations, Pope Francis and all countries and organizations that have expressed support in our peace process,”

Colombia’s government and FARC jointly asked the Security Council to help monitor and verify rebel disarmament should the two sides reach a deal to end their 50-year-old war.

The rebels’ willingness to make the request jointly with the government was regarded as a sign of progress, as the two sides strive to reach a comprehensive peace agreement.

President Santos went on to say:

“The decision taken by the Security Council means that we are no longer alone, we have the hand of the United Nations, of the whole world to the end of this war. It’s the best guarantee this will happen,”