United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said Sunday that he «welcomes» the Colombian government’s announcement of a six-month ceasefire with armed groups.
Guterres considered this move «an event that renews the Colombian people’s hopes for lasting peace in the New Year», the date on which the agreement came into force.
Guterres also indicated that he «trusts that adherence to these commitments will reduce violence and the suffering of communities affected by the conflict,» while «contributing to building confidence in the ongoing dialogues,» according to a UN statement.
Finally, the UN chief reaffirmed the commitment of the international organization to «support Colombia’s efforts to achieve a comprehensive and lasting peace».
Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced a bilateral ceasefire with the National Liberation Army (ELN) and other dissident and self-defense groups, which would last until June 30.
The five illegal armed organizations involved are the ELN, Segunda Marquetalia, Estado Mayor Central, Autodefensas Gaitanistas de Colombia (AGC) and the Sierra Nevada group.
The Colombian Presidency has detailed in its communiqué that the main objective will be to «suspend the humanitarian affectation» of the population and, in particular, of the ethnic-territorial and peasant communities. Offensive actions will also be suspended and armed incidents between the security forces and the aforementioned illegal organizations will be avoided.
The Colombian Executive has confirmed that the ceasefire will have national and international verification by the UN Verification Mission, the Organization of American States (OAS) Mission to Support the Peace Process in Colombia, the Ombudsman’s Office and the Catholic Church.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
