Annan welcomes regional leaders’ declaration on Colombia

Reacting to a call by regional leaders for a peaceful end to the decades-long conflict in Colombia, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today welcomed their support for his continuing involvement in bringing about a negotiated settlement.

According to a statement issued by a spokesman for Mr. Annan, the Secretary-General “notes with interest the declaration of the Rio Group calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict through open and transparent dialogue among the parties in Colombia.”

Mr. Annan also welcomed “regional leaders’ support for his continuing good offices, which aim to achieve a negotiated solution to Colombia’s conflict,” the statement added.